The 1986 World Cup will be remembered for two things: Mexico becoming the host
after Colombia couldn't fulfill its obligation, and Argentina's
Diego Maradona putting on a performance so dominating observers
said it rivaled the great Pele.
FIFA decided to give the 13th World Cup to Mexico despite serious
efforts by the United States, Canada and a possible Holland-Belgium
combination. But, in the end, Mexico would be the site, becoming
the first country to host the event twice. . . .
The tournament was a testament to the game of soccer. All of
the usual suspects -- Italy, Brazil, Argentina, France and West
Germany -- showed the billions of people worldwide who watched
on television what excitement is all about.
One of the many bright spots of the tournament was the quarterfinal
match between Brazil and France. Played before 50,000 spectators,
France defeated the previously unbeaten Brazil team 4-3 in penalty
shots after the game had ended 1-1. . . .
One of the most dubious goals in World Cup history also came
in the quarterfinals, in a game between England and Argentina.
Maradona and English goalkeeper Peter Shilton arrived at the
ball at the same time in the air, and Maradona punched the ball
in the net with his hand. Later, Maradona would say "the hand
of God" helped him score the goal.
But Maradona also scored one of the greatest goals in World
Cup history in the same game. Taking the ball on Argentina's
side of the field, he wove in and out of the English defense
before putting a delicately placed shot past Shilton in the
corner of the net. . . .
In the semifinals, Maradona again showed why he was so dominating.
Playing before more than 110,000 spectators at Azteca Stadium,
Maradona netted two goals in the second half to get Argentina
past Belgium 2-0.
In the other semifinal, West Germany defeated a worn out France
team 2-0 and was on target to win its third World Cup. . . .
The finals alone were viewed by more than 2 billion people
worldwide on television. At the 22-minute mark of the first
half, Argentina took a 1-0 lead and would carry that into halftime.
Argentina scored 10 minutes into the second half for a 2-0
lead and just had to hang on for the win. But Germany wouldn't
die. Two quick goals had the score knotted, and people were
bracing for overtime.
But, like he was many times before in the tournament, Maradona
was the difference. He took advantage of a West Germany mistake
and fed a perfect pass to a streaking Jorge Burruchaga, giving
Argentina a 3-2 win and the World Cup.
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