Argentina brutally mocked by Falkland Islands after shameful World Cup scenes | Football | Sport

The Falkland Islands took a brutal swipe at Argentina following their World Cup final defeat to Spain over the weekend. The small community poked fun at the expense of their former invaders with a poem ridiculing them for falling “without a fight”. And in another pointed verse, they declared that the “football world breathes easier” as a result of Spain’s victory.

The sovereignty of the British Overseas Territory emerged as a talking point after Argentina players celebrated their semi-final victory over England with a banner that read: “The Falklands are Argentine”. The government of the Falkland Islands were quick to condemn the move and underline their desire to remain British. Now, residents have twisted the knife following Argentina’s defeat in the final.

On X (formerly Twitter), the account @Falklands_Utd, which has been run by residents for 14 years offering commentary on world events affecting the 3,500 inhabitants, couldn’t resist a jibe at players who attempted to lay claim to the islands.

Their poem read: “So, in the end, they fell without a fight. Not one true effort, not one shot in sight. Just noise and fury, chest-beating and show. Yet nowhere left for football’s craft to go.

“They chased the referee more than the ball, mistook dark arts for greatness after all. For every tumble, every feigned despair, the game itself was left a little poorer there.

“And when the whistle drew the curtain closed, there was no glory in the path they chose. For medals tarnish, scorelines fade away, but character is measured every day.

“So home they go, defeated in the end – without the pride that should a champion attend. For victory borrowed through deception’s guise, wins trophies, perhaps… but never wins the wise.

“Tonight the football world breathes easier still. Not out of malice, but because, at last, the spirit of the game outlived the spectacle.”

Argentina’s banner following their victory over England violated tournament regulations prohibiting players from displaying political messages or slogans before, during or after fixtures.

Then-Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer remarked afterwards: “The World Cup might not be ours but the Falkland Islands definitely are.”

In 1982, the two countries engaged in a 74-day conflict over the sovereignty of the islands which claimed 907 lives.

In a 2013 referendum, the vast majority of islanders decided they wanted to remain British, with only three people voting the other way.

However, the Argentinians have persisted in staking their claim to the archipelago and revived the matter once more before the semi-final.

That is not the sole FIFA inquiry they currently face following the disgraceful scenes after Sunday’s final.

Wayne Rooney, the ex-England captain, remarked on Argentina’s actions: “Does it surprise you? It doesn’t surprise me. We’ve seen this with Argentina before. It’s just not the reaction you want.

“We’ve seen some of the reaction after knocking England out in the last round. That’s just sad. If you lose a game of football, be graceful and get out of there. It’s really poor from them.”

The majority of Argentine players were observed turning their backs on Spainas they received their winners’ medals. Argentina committed 113 fouls at the World Cup, more than any other side.

Head coach Lionel Scaloni commented: “We are gracious in victory and we must be gracious in defeat. We lost the match and we accept it, but that doesn’t mean we stop living or forget everything we did to get here.”

He was unable to hold back the tears in his post-match press conference and walked out.

Luis de la Fuente, Spain’s head coach, said: “The match should have been decided much earlier. But this is a World Cup final and you have to dig deep even against 10 men. And we’re prepared for anything.”

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