The most important soccer match in history: The 1986 World Cup quarterfinal

Soccer is a popular and global game, that combines skill, excitement and passion. In every major tournament, there are matches that enter history because of their events, results and heroes. Perhaps the most famous and important of these matches is the one that took place between Argentina and England in the quarterfinal of the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. This match witnessed two of the most famous goals in soccer history, both scored by Argentina’s captain Diego Maradona. The first goal was the infamous goal that was called “the hand of God”, which Maradona scored with his hand. The second goal was the most amazing goal that was called “the goal of the century”, which Maradona scored after passing by five English players and the goalkeeper. This match was also loaded with meanings and emotions, as it came four years after the Falklands War between Argentina and Britain, and was part of the old soccer rivalry between the two countries. In this article, we will review the highlights of this match, and analyze the reasons for its importance and impact on soccer history.

The context of the match

The 1986 World Cup was the thirteenth edition of the World Cup soccer tournament, which is held every four years between the national teams that are members of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). Mexico was the host country of the tournament, after Colombia renounced its hosting for economic reasons. Twenty-four teams participated in the tournament, which were divided into six groups of four teams in the first round. The best two teams from each group, plus four third-placed teams, qualified to the second round, which was in the form of knockout. Italy was the defending champion of the title, but it was eliminated from the second round by France. Argentina and England were among the candidates to win the tournament, but they faced some challenges in the first round. Argentina tied with Italy 1-1, and England lost to Portugal 0-1. However, both teams managed to qualify to the second round, where Argentina beat Uruguay 1-0, and England beat Paraguay 3-0. Thus, Argentina and England met in the quarterfinal, in a match that was anticipated and thrilling.

The events of the match

The match was held on June 22, 1986 at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, which was the largest stadium in the world at that time, with a capacity of 114 thousand spectators. The referee of the match was Ali Bin Nasser from Tunisia, and his assistants were Bogdan Dosa from Romania and Ernesto Villanueva from Mexico. The match started in a hot and sunny weather, and Argentina wore its blue and white shirt, and England wore its red shirt. The match was balanced in the first half, as neither of the teams could score a goal. The best chance for Argentina was when Jorge Valdano shot a powerful ball from outside the penalty area, but it hit the crossbar. The best chance for England was when Peter Beardsley shot a ball from a close distance, but it hit the goalkeeper Nery Pumpido. Thus, the first half ended with a goalless draw.

In the second half, things changed dramatically, and the match entered history. In the 51st minute, Argentina got a free kick from the left side of the field. Maradona passed the ball to Jorge Burruchaga, who crossed it to the penalty area. Maradona jumped to head the ball, but he used his left hand to push it past the goalkeeper Peter Shilton, who was taller than him. The referee did not see the handball, and he awarded the goal to Argentina, despite the protests of the English players. Maradona later said that the goal was scored “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God”. This goal is considered one of the most controversial and infamous goals in soccer history, as it was a clear violation of the rules, and it gave Argentina an unfair advantage.

Four minutes later, Maradona scored another goal, but this time it was a masterpiece of skill and beauty. Maradona received the ball in his own half, and he dribbled past five English players: Peter Beardsley, Peter Reid, Terry Butcher, Terry Fenwick and Peter Shilton. He then slotted the ball into the empty net, with his left foot. This goal is considered one of the most amazing and brilliant goals in soccer history, as it showed Maradona