What's this about? Paul Ince is booked by the referee. Looks like the midfielder was suggesting Ayala should receive the same punishment as David Seaman for the Argentine penalty - a yellow card. But instead he gets one. So Diego Simeone can wave imaginary cards all he wants but it's not on when England do? Strange.

Trevor Brooking
Former England midfielder at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard

He just ran at him. I don't think there was too great contact. But who is arguing? Ayala is stepping it out the way and the ball has almost gone from Owen's touch. But great credit to the young man.

And now England have a penalty!

Michael Owen has acres of space to run into, which he does at pace, all the way into the Argentine box. Across comes Robert Ayala, who realises he isn't going to make a clean tackle and tries to pull out but the combination of the contact and Owen's speed sends the striker tumbling.

It's the kind of penalty you'd question being given against you. But you lap it up when it comes your way.

Good job we weren't too overly harsh on Simeone earlier, eh?

Eight World Cup games for Batistuta, nine goals. That is some scoring rate at the highest level.

You don't get the nickname 'Batigol' for nothing!

To break away from 1998 for a moment, Batistuta was Argentina's record all-time goalscorer with 54 goals in 77 games until some upstart called Lionel Messi came along.

"You go around the world and you say, 'I'm the top scorer for the Argentina national team.' I liked that," he has since said on the subject, admitting he has upset at losing the title, before adding: "But the advantage I have is that I'm second to an extraterrestrial."

Trevor Brooking
Former England midfielder at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard

A nightmare scenario for England. It is at the height where a keeper could save it, but the power just takes it beyond him.

To rub salt in the wound, Seaman gets a booking too. Although, it really doesn't need Simeone waving imaginary cards at the referee to prompt him. He really is a panto villain at times isn't he?

Trevor Brooking
Former England midfielder at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard

It looked as if there was contact. Simeone is running away from goal and has enticed David Seaman. Simeone is looking for the penalty but it a reckless challenge. It is a typical bit of play from a player who knows the keeper is coming out.

Disaster! Argentina have a penalty.

Ariel Ortega's lifted ball forward is nodded on by Gabriel Batistuta and in nips Diego Simeone, taking the ball away from David Seaman before the keeper clatters him.

There are no complaints. There can't be, really, unless you want to have a pop at Simeone for making the most of it. Not that I know what is coming in, say a few minutes time, but I think we should avoid being the pot levelling accusations at the kettle.

You know, in the 22 years since this game, I'd completely forgotten that Nelson Vivas played in it. He joined Arsenal after this summer, having spent the previous season on loan at Lugano in Switzerland from Boca Juniors.

Oh, a half-chance for England. Michael Owen gets his first sniff but is tackled on the edge of the box, sending the ball to Graeme Le Saux. He drags his shot but towards Alan Shearer, who slides in just a tad late to make contact and steer the ball goalwards.

So, Argentina have won 11 of their last 12 internationals and it is over 12 hours since they last conceded a goal. Comforting information from our commentary team.

The first real attack comes from Argentina, who look to get Gabriel Batistuta away but Claudio Lopez's pass towards the box is cut out by big Sol Campbell. Graeme Le Saux then tries to start a breakaway England attack but misplaces his forward pass.

We feel your pain...

Trevor Brooking
Former England midfielder at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard

If you look at the groups, you just had the feeling that Argentina had an extra gear to step up to. We should find out this evening. England, of course, have younger players such as Scholes, Beckham, Neville, Owen. It is a wonderful night for them. Great experience.

Here we go then. Argentina get us under way in a full house of 36,000. England fans are outnumbered but they're making sure they're heard.

England in all-white, Argentina in their change strip of dark blue.

To my mind, this isn't a classic England shirt. It's not up there with 1990 or 1996. Certainly not in 1982's league.

Kim Milton Nielsen
1998 World Cup referee, speaking to BBC Sport in December 1998

Going to the World Cup was always a goal for me and it has to be the highlight of my career.

England's game with Argentina was a big one and it was an honour for me to be part of it - whatever had happened between the teams in the past was not important because a referee has to start from zero and focus on that game.

The referee is one of Europe's top officials - Denmark's Kim Milton Nielsen. A tall fella, with a big task this evening.

There is an awful lot of whistling during the English national anthem. Not enough to fully drown out the singing fans, but enough to make it perfectly clear that past history, both on and off the football pitch, has left some very lasting resentment.

Let's also take a moment, though, to marvel at John Gorman's moustache. So thick and well-groomed. Bravo, sir.

Max Levene: England v Argentina 98 was the moment I fell in love with football,aged 6 I ended up watching behind the sofa, the drama of extacy, turmoil and disappointment had me hooked and forever more had me longing for england success, there’s been too much heartbreak.