Argentina has always had a rather unique national identity. Because of relative high European immigration, the country developed probably a somewhat more European self-image than many of its South American neighbours.
After decades of prosperity, especially around 1900 when Argentina was among the wealthiest countries in the world, the country gradually entered a period of economic decline from the 1930s onwards, marked by global shocks, political instability, inflation and repeated financial crises and perhaps as a result, a sense of lost status.
In that kind of environment, football could become more than just a sport It could become a stage to a sort of restoring national pride. Sometimes that can translate into a mentality where winning matters more than the way you win.
It does not excuse aggressive play, provocations or crossing the line, but it may help explain the background. When there are few (Fifa
) consequences, it can create the impression that almost anything is allowed in the pursuit of victory.
Against Spain, however, the reality check arrived. Mentality alone is not enough. Over 120 minutes, Argentina was simply outplayed a reminder that football is ultimately decided on the pitch, not by reputation or attitude.
Interest in Argentina is relatively high here in the Netherlands by the fact that Queen Máxima is Argentine born and quite popular.
After decades of prosperity, especially around 1900 when Argentina was among the wealthiest countries in the world, the country gradually entered a period of economic decline from the 1930s onwards, marked by global shocks, political instability, inflation and repeated financial crises and perhaps as a result, a sense of lost status.
In that kind of environment, football could become more than just a sport It could become a stage to a sort of restoring national pride. Sometimes that can translate into a mentality where winning matters more than the way you win.
It does not excuse aggressive play, provocations or crossing the line, but it may help explain the background. When there are few (Fifa
) consequences, it can create the impression that almost anything is allowed in the pursuit of victory.Against Spain, however, the reality check arrived. Mentality alone is not enough. Over 120 minutes, Argentina was simply outplayed a reminder that football is ultimately decided on the pitch, not by reputation or attitude.
Interest in Argentina is relatively high here in the Netherlands by the fact that Queen Máxima is Argentine born and quite popular.
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