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Argentina protects landmark Obelisk as World Cup madness mounts / Photo: Luis ROBAYO - AFP
Argentina protects landmark Obelisk as World Cup madness mounts
Buenos Aires police on Wednesday erected barricades around the city's beloved Obelisk monument in anticipation of potential rowdiness during the Argentina-England World Cup semi-final.
The towering landmark is a traditional site of celebration for raucous football fans, but the decision to protect the monument is a first for the 2026 edition of the tournament.
The unusual move follows Argentina's 3-1 victory against Switzerland on Saturday, which prompted thousands of jubilant supporters to gather around the Obelisk until early the next morning.
Police ended up dispersing the crowd using rubber bullets.
Roads adjacent to the monument will also be closed to traffic during Wednesday's match pitting Argentina against its old foe England.
Businesses around the capital have shuttered as shopkeepers fear potential trouble on the streets, which are decked out in blue and white to support the national team.
The match kicks off at 4 pm local time (1900 GMT) in Atlanta in the United States.
F.T. Michaud--SMC
