DistantNews
Support us
🇸🇬 Singapore /Sports

England coach Tuchel understands Argentina's dark blue-kit superstition

From CNA · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Argentina's national football team will wear their dark blue away kit against England in the World Cup semi-final, a choice steeped in superstition and historical success.
  • The team previously wore the dark blue jersey in key 1986 and 1998 World Cup victories against England.
  • England manager Thomas Tuchel acknowledged the role of superstition in high-level sports, while Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni downplayed the significance of the jersey choice.

Argentina's iconic dark blue jersey is more than just an alternate strip; for many, it's a symbol woven into the nation's football folklore, associated with some of their most memorable World Cup triumphs.

When Lionel Messi and his teammates face England in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final in Atlanta, they will don the dark blue kit, eschewing their traditional sky blue and white stripes. This choice is heavily influenced by history and superstition. Argentina famously wore dark blue when Diego Maradona delivered his "Hand of God" goal and the "Goal of the Century" in a 2-1 quarter-final victory over England in the 1986 World Cup. Twelve years later, in the 1998 World Cup, the dark blue jersey was again on display when Argentina eliminated England on penalties after a dramatic 2-2 draw in the round of 16.

I would have done the same if there was any superstition combined with it. So credit to them. I was not aware of that.

— Thomas TuchelCommenting on Argentina's choice of jersey.

England manager Thomas Tuchel understands the psychological aspect of such decisions. "I would have done the same if there was any superstition combined with it," he told reporters. "So credit to them. I was not aware of that." Tuchel acknowledged that even at the highest levels of professional sport, superstition remains a potent force, admitting he has his own routines he keeps private.

However, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni appeared more reserved about embracing the superstitious narrative. "Well, I didn't ask for the blue one. I don't know who did, but perhaps it's tradition," Scaloni said, adding, "I really don't know. I can't speak to that." He suggested that if England's coach had no issue with it, then he didn't either. The dark blue shirt itself is a cultural artifact, featuring swirling blue motifs inspired by Buenos Aires's fileteado art style, a UNESCO-recognized decorative art form known for its vibrant colors and flowing designs.

Well, I didn't ask for the blue one. I don't know who did, but perhaps it's tradition. I really don't know. I can't speak to that.

— Lionel ScaloniResponding to questions about the team's jersey choice.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog