KANSAS CITY, MO — Argentina is sporting black armbands in its World Cup quarterfinal match against Switzerland, mourning the loss of a player with an outsized impact on the sport of soccer.
The Argentine Football ****** ociation requested FIFA for permission to wear the armbands as a gesture of mourning for Antonio Rattin, who died at age 89 after a suspected stroke, according to his family.
That permission was granted, with players able to put the black band around the white sleeves of their primary jersey in Saturday night's final eight matchup.
Rattin's largest legacy is a visual symbol of the sport of soccer far more present than an armband.
A Boca Juniors legend who represented only the Buenos Aires club during a 14-year professional career, Rattin inadvertently altered the course of soccer history with his actions in a 1966 World Cup match.
The Argentine Football ****** ociation requested FIFA for permission to wear the armbands as a gesture of mourning for Antonio Rattin, who died at age 89 after a suspected stroke, according to his family.
That permission was granted, with players able to put the black band around the white sleeves of their primary jersey in Saturday night's final eight matchup.
Rattin's largest legacy is a visual symbol of the sport of soccer far more present than an armband.
A Boca Juniors legend who represented only the Buenos Aires club during a 14-year professional career, Rattin inadvertently altered the course of soccer history with his actions in a 1966 World Cup match.
25 days ago
