Mexico 1986
Four years ago he was sent off in a heated match against rivals Brazil; four years on he returned to finally take the stage his genius asked for- Mexico 1986 was Diego Maradona’s tournament. Of the 14 goals Argentina scored, Maradona scored 5 and assisted another 5. His set the World Cup alight with his two quarter-final goals against England. The first one was the infamous ‘Hand of God’ conversely the second was pure genius- the goal of the century. England exited but their star striker, Gary Linekar had a fruitful tournament. Maradona would go on to score two more unforgettable goals against Belgium in the semi-finals to guide the Albiceleste to the finals at the Azteca. They were other stars who graced the Cup i.e. the Danish pair of Michael Laudrup and Preben Elkjaer, Zico for Brazil and Platini for France. For France it was déjà vu as they lost to a West Germany side again in the semi-finals. Argentina’s No.10 Maradona was closely marked by Lothar Matthaus In the final. Nevertheless, Jose Luis Brown and Jorge Valdano gave the Argentineans a two goal cushion but West Germany bounced back. In a span of six minute Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Rudi Voller scored one each to equalise. But even Matthaus couldn’t keep Maradona quite for 90 minutes. He sent Jorge Burruchaga clear on goal in the 83rd minute for the winner. The World Cup was Argentina’s for the second time.
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| © AP Images |
Winners: Argentina
Runners -Up: Germany
Golden Boot: Gary Lineker (Eng)