When the 1998 World Cup came along, held in France, I had just returned from my five month trip throughout Europe - and I was ready to go back. So I found some tickets online and flew to Paris.
I only saw four games - which looking back is the fewest for me in one tournament. But the two Argentina games have long been remembered.
In the Round of 16, Argentina took out England on penalty kicks. There was a lot of fear going into the game due to politics of years ago, and the hatred between fans. I had bought a 'blind' ticket to the game, before we knew who was playing (although I knew that if Argentina won the group, they'd be in the game).
When I arrived into St. Ettiene, I called my brother, Dani, to let him know that I was going to the game, but to not let our parents know - so they wouldn't worry. Being a native English - Spanish speaker, I was prepared to avoid being pegged as supporting either side. I entered the game with a neutral shirt on, but with my Argentina jersey in my backpack. Once I got to my section and realized I was surrounded by Argentines, I put the jersey on.
The party went on for a while after the PKs. I then got on the packed the metro - with the jersey back in my bag - to go back to the train station (I was staying in Lyon), but we had to get out and walk the final 10 or so blocks as the Argentina and England fans had gotten into fights along the way. The metro was ordered to stop service as police tried to restore order.
Years later I asked David Beckham - who was shown red in the game - to sign my ticket stub, which he did. I also met Diego Simeone - who drew the PK - when I went to Argentina, but regrettably I didn't think to have him sign the same ticket stub.
I followed the team to Marseilles for the game against Holland. It was another blistering hot day, but the Dutch fans were full of life, happily welcoming me and other blue-and-white clad fans to join them at a pre-game bar party. Inside, we saw one of the best goals ever, when Holland's Dennis Bergkamp brought down a long ball in our end, cut back and slotted home the winner - right in front of our section - in the final minutes.
Once Argentina was eliminated I jumped on a train to Spain, where I stayed until the tournament ended. I returned to Paris the day after France won the World Cup, and the country was still buzzing.
Thursday, June 25, 1998: Stade De La Beaujoire in Nantes.
Friday, June 26, 1998: Stade du Parc Lescure in Bordeaux.
Tuesday, June 30, 1998: Stade Geoffroy Guichard in St. Etienne.
Round of 16: Argentina 2, England 2; Argentina won 4-3 in penalty kicks
Saturday, July 4, 1998: Stade Velodrome in Marseilles.
