86 World Cup

Written by Tony Concannon Tuesday, 08 June 2010 06:13

England World Cup Blog

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People say you should never look back, only forward. However, its often easier said than done. In fact, I'm so looking forward to this year's World Cup that I couldn't help but look back and reminisce about past tournaments. This got me thinking; what is the best World Cup in living memory?

 

 

In my opinion, it has to be 1986 in Mexico. The previous tournament in Spain in 1982 certainly ran it close, and was amazing in itself, the football was fantastic, there were many memorable moments. Mexico on the other hand, seemed different, more exciting, more exotic, a different world. The pictures and footage from Mexico had that grainy feel that made it look like the tournament was taking place on another planet, nevermind another continent. Even the official logo looked like it was designed by NASA.

 

The stars of the tournament roll off the tongue like a cast list of 80s greats; Preben Elkjaer, Enzo Francescoli, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Emilio Butragueno, Socrates, Michael Laudrup, Hugo Sanchez, Michel Platini, Terry Fenwick... and Diego Armando Maradona.

 

Who can forget Brazil's leggy full-back Josimar lashing one into the top corner on his debut from 30 yards against Northern Ireland. And Russia's Vasily Rats firing a thunderbolt rocket into the other top corner against France. Also from long distance, as the ball seemed to do strange things at altitude in the rarefied Mexican air.

 

Laudrup's slalom through the Uruguay defence and near-post finish in a 6-1 rout as the Danes passed them to death. Uruguay just could not cope with the power and strength of Elkjaer who scored a hat trick. Denmark looked irresistable, but were then given a thrashing themselves as they crashed out 5-1 to Spain in the knock-out stages, Butragueno scoring four. His predatory instincts pouncing on a terrible backpass by Jesper Olsen as the Danes wilted in the heat. Spain then lost to Belgium, led by the classy midfielder Enzo Scifo. The Belgians then edged the Soviet Union in a seven-goal thriller. It was mental. There were goals galore, 132 in total, and any team looked capable of beating the other. It was unpredictable, with an unusual amount of penalty shoot-outs. What more could you ask for? Oh yeah, England scraped out of their group as Gary Lineker's late night hat-trick downed Poland 3-0.

 

It was also the last tournament I can remember where you could tackle. Ferociously. Wildly. Despite this, no player seemed to dive or fake injury. They just got on with it, or got revenge later. If teams tackled like that now, there would be no players left on the field due to red cards. It still holds the record for the fastest red card in World Cup history, Uruguay's Jose Batista recieved his marching orders after only 56 seconds agsinst Scotland.

 

There were great teams, such as France. European Champions, led by the majestic Platini, who had been named European Player of the Year for the previous three years. Jean-Pierre Papin, Jean Tigana, Alain Giresse, Luis Fernandez, Manuel Amoros, Maxime Bossis.

 

The Brazil team of that era was also spectacular, and included legends such as Zico, Eder, Falcao, Careca, Socrates, Junior and Branco. Indeed, France's quarter-final clash with Brazil took the tournament to new heights and was a game of epic proportions. Tied at 1-1 in the second half, Zico, of all people, saw his second half penalty saved by French keeper Joel Bats. Extra time ensued and in the final minute of the 120 France's Bellone raced through on his own and was viciously manhandled on the edge of the box by Brazilian keeper Carlos as the striker tried to take it round him. Bellone managed to just about stay on his feet but lost control of the ball. It looked a certain red for the keeper and a dangerous free-kick in Platini range on the edge of the box. The referee's decision; ignore it. Unbelivable. So, penalty shoot-out time. Despite Platini missing his pen on his 31st birthday, Brazil missed two and France went through. Bellone even managed some kind of karmic revenge as his spot-kick hit the post and then went in off Carlos. One of the most dramatic games in World Cup history. Amazing.

 

Strangely, all the quarter finals went to penalties, except the Argentina England game, and we all know what happened there. In the other penalty shoot-outs, West Germany beat hosts Mexico, and Belgium overcame Spain.  In the semi finals, 2-0 wins saw West Germany and Argentina advance to the final at the expense of France and Belgium.

 

So, Diego Maradona, aged 25, would lead his team into the final against West Germany, in front of 114,000 people at the Azteca Stadium. His second goal against England was voted Goal of the Century in an online poll on the FIFA website in 2002. He had almost single handedly carried his team to the final. He was the best player in the world.

 

In the final, the exotically named Jose Luis Brown headed Argentina in front as the Germans tried unsuccessfully to kick Maradona out of the game. Jorge Valdano made it 2-0 early in the second half and the game looked over. However, that old adage of 'never underestimate the Germans' proved true as two late goals from Rummenigge and Rudi Voller levelled the scores and looked to have forced extra-time. But wait, with minutes remaining, Maradona of course had the final say. The midfield maestro turned in the centre-circle and clipped a perfect ball forward for Jorge Burrachaga to run through and seal, yet another, dramatic victory. Argentina were world champions, and Maradona won the Golden Ball as player of the tournament.

 

It was a fitting end to a fantastic tournament of attacking football and glorious goals. Of course, all, World Cups have their moments, but for me Mexico 86 had it all. It had a certain innocence and exclusivity that began to be lost from Italia 90 onwards. It was just a game, not a business. It was emotional and exciting. The crowds danced and partied, and the official mascot was called Pique, a jalapeño pepper with a sombrero and moustache. Fantastic. The summer of '86.

Top Ten Goals from 1986 World Cup (UK Only)
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