Argentina fan says England clash 'most important'

An Argentinian Plymouth Argyle fan says the World Cup semi-final clash with England carries huge significance for football supporters in his homeland.

Leandro Bisceglie, 35, from the province of Cordoba is a member of Argyle Argentina, and said football was deeply woven into Argentine culture and connected people on both sides of the Atlantic.

He said the game against England was "for us, it's the most important thing... more important than Brazil. more important than Uruguay, more important than other matches."

But with England and Argentina meeting on the world stage, club loyalties were temporarily put aside. "Yeah, 100%," he said when asked whether he would be backing Argentina.

Bisceglie follows Argyle closely and said he tried to watch every match, even when poor internet connections made it difficult.

He also plays amateur football and said he proudly wore Argyle colours when taking part in local tournaments.

Bisceglie said he had fallen in love with the lower levels of the English game because they reminded him of football's roots.

He explained that a supporters' club had grown in Argentina after he connected with fellow Argyle fans in Cordoba.

He said: "I think 99% of the people here in Argentina have the dream to play in a professional way, and I know for the England guys is pretty similar, and that connects us."

Bisceglie said most of his memories of the rivalry came from England and Argentina's meeting at the 1998 World Cup in France, which he remembered vividly.

Looking ahead to the latest chapter in one of football's most fiercely contested rivalries, he predicted a close encounter.

"Really tough game. Really, really tough game," he said. "I think if we have lucky, maybe 2-1 in regular time. If we don't have lucky, maybe 1-1 and penalties."

Fellow Argentine Mariano Castro from Buenos Aires supports Truro City and has done for a few years.

He said: "This is the match the entire Argentine people have been waiting for; playing against you all is special (geopolitics aside). It will be the first time Messi plays against England.

"I hope with all my heart that it's a great football match and that it takes place in peace. And, of course, I'll be following my beloved Truro this year."

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