World Cup 1986 Mexico - Review & History
Diego Maradona, one of the greatest players to grace the game, led Argentina to glory in Mexico. The diminutive forward was to cause controversy, however, as he ended England's World Cup aspirations in the quarter-finals. With the scores level at 0-0, a bizarre attempt at a clearance from Steve Hodge headed towards Peter Shilton. Maradona jumped with the goalkeeper, flicking the ball into the net with his hand. After the match, Maradona boasted about his efforts, calling it the 'Hand of God'. There was no reason to dispute his second strike though. A solo run saw him take on Peter Beardsley, Peter Reid, Gary Stevens, Terry Butcher and Terry Fenwick before slotting the ball past Shilton. England fought hard and got one back through tournament top scorer Gary Lineker, but they could not force an equaliser.
Argentina beat Belgium 2-0 in the semi-finals to meet West Germany who had beaten Mexico on penalties to reach the last four, and France 2-0 to book a place in the final. Argentina led 2-0 through Jose-Luis Brown and Jorge Valdano, only for Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Rudi Voller to level the scores late on. Just two minutes later, however, an inspired Maradona pass picked out Jorge Burruchaga, who raced through to snatch victory for the South Americans.
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World Cup 1986 results (Held in Mexico)
FINAL - Azteca, Mexico City
Argentina 3-2 West Germany
TOP SCORER World Cup 1986
Gary Lineker (England) 6
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