STRONG SECURITY MEASURES IN ATLANTA BEFORE ENGLAND-ARGENTINA MATCH

ATLANTA, JULY 15 /SRNA/ - Atlanta authorities are tightening security measures ahead of tonight's World Cup semi-final match between England and Argentina, US media report.

According to media reports, consultations have been held between FIFA, FBI and local police forces, due to concerns that the long-standing rivalry, which extends beyond football, could increase the risk of fan clashes.

Atlanta police said they had increased their police presence throughout the city, especially near Mercedes-Benz Stadium, hotels housing the national teams and popular fan gathering spots, the RT reported.

Officials have set up separate entrances to the stadium and designated fan zones for fans of both teams.

The rivalry between England and Argentina goes beyond football, primarily due to tensions heightened by the 1982 Falklands War, when the two countries clashed over islands in the South Atlantic.

When it comes to football, the English have never forgiven the Argentines for the defeat in the 1986 World Cup final in Argentina, when the great Diego Armando Maradona scored two goals, one of which was a handball.

Maradona later said that the goal was scored "a little bit with Maradona's head, and a little bit with the hand of God", which is why the goal is still known as the "Hand of God".

The semi-final match will start at 21:00 CET.