World Cup 1986
Despite being aware of 1978's jamboree in Argentina and watching the 1982 version in Spain, I think that the 1986 World Cup in Mexico (the third Spanish speaking host on the bounce) is the one that I remember following most closely. I was 16 and in the middle of my 'O' Levels. With the late starts for many of the games I was very grateful that we were minding a video recorder for the weeks that it was on - as was the fashion of the time!
Originally due to be held in Colombia, the event was switched to Mexico because of the difficult internal situation in Colombia at the time. So Mexico became the first team to host the World Cup twice, following on from their 1970 tournament.
The number of teams taking part was kept at 24, but the format of the tournament was changed following the 1982 World Cup in Spain. This time there would be 6 groups of four, to be followed by rounds of 16, 8, 4, 2 and the final and third place play-off. The sixteen would be the top two in each group plus the 4 best third placed teams. UK qualifiers were Northern Ireland, Scotland (after seeing off Wales in the European groups and then Australia in the play off between Europe and Oceania) and England.
First Round
There were a few surprises in the first round, probably most notably, the performance of Morocco in winning group F, England's group. England qualified in second place, after poor performances against Portugal (0-1) and Morocco (0-0) before redemption came versus Poland (Gary Lineker's hat-trick in a 3-0 win). Poland also qualified as a best third place team. The other groups went pretty much to form, with Argentina and Italy being joined by Bulgaria from group A (Maradona was already on fire - more of which later). Mexico and Paraguay were joined by Belgium from group B. Group C saw the USSR and Franc exert far too much power of Hungary and Canada (in their first World Cup). Brazil and Spain qualified from group D - Northern Ireland and Algeria's single points coming in their meeting with each other.
And finally, Scotland's wretched run in the first round of World Cup finals continued as they were eliminated from the group of death. Denmark were already comfortable before the last two games saw them play West Germany and Scotland up against Uruguay. All three had a chance to qualify and as their group finished last they knew exactly what was needed. West Germany lost to Denmark, but qualified anyway with 3 points, whilst in their game with Scotland, Uruguay knew that a point would see them through. Scotland needed a win and they would be through. No chance! Uruguay started as they meant to go on - Jose Batista creating a World Cup record by getting sent off inside 60 seconds for a foul on Gordon Strachan. The game ended in a very disappointing 0-0 which saw Scotland go out.
Second Round - Round of 16
The Second Round saw some great contests. Perhaps the best game was the seven goal thriller between Belgium and the USSR - the Belgians a.e.t. won courtesy of Nico Claesen's goal and despite Igor Belanov's hat-trick. European Champions France put paid to Italy's dreams of retaining the trophy in a 2-0 win, whilst in another all European tie, we saw a mini shock as Spain thumped Denmark 5-1 - Emlio Butragueño announcing himself on the world stage with four of the five goals. England and Brazil both enjoyed comfortable progress versus Paraguay (3-0) and Poland (4-0) respectively. Finally, West Germany were given a real run for their money by Morocco, the Europeans coming through 1-0 with a Lothar Matthaus goal in the 87th minute.
Quarter Finals
Of the four Quarter Finals, three games went to penalty shootouts, whilst the other is one of the most talked about football matches in the entire history of the game. Hosts Mexico played out a scoreless draw with West Germany before losing their nerve to lose the shootout 4-1 having missed 2 out of the 3 that they took. In a titanic power struggle between Europe and South America, France and Brazil played to a 1-1 draw before the French were too accurate from the spot, winning 4-3. Another 1-1 draw in the all Europe tie between Belgium and Spain was followed by a 5-4 victory in the shoot out for Belgium.
In the Azteca Stadium, Mexico City Argentina and England were set to play each other for the first time since the Falklands War of 1982. Coupled with memories of the Battle of Wembley from 1966, this game was charged before a ball was kicked. What happened during the game was just the spark to the petrol. At half time the score was 0-0 although Shilton was the busier of the two keepers. After 51 minutes everything changed. Maradona had made a run into the England penalty box - more in hope than expectation, but a scuffed clearance meant that he was in a one v one against Shilton. Of course the great Shilts had the twin advantages of a) about 7 inches and b) the right to be able to use his hands, but Maradona thought better and using his left hand, punched the ball over Shilton and into the England goal. Despite English objections the goal stood, so 1-0 to Argentina.
Four minutes later he was at it again. Only this time, there was no disputing the validity of the goal, or the efficacy of Maradona. Taking a pass from Hector Enrique inside his own half, Maradona proceeded to run past about thirty Englishmen (alright it was only 4) before running round Shilton to make it 2-0. I remember Barry Davies's BBC commentary - something along the lines of 'Oh, you have to say that's magnificent.' (That's how you do it, Jonathan Pearce). But the game wasn't finished. The late Bobby Robson still had wingers Chris Waddle and John Barnes on the bench and after 64 and 74 minutes respectively, he brought them on. Barnes's impact was the greater as after 80 minutes he crossed for Lineker to score his sixth goal (and therefore to win the Golden Boot) and minutes later he repeated the feat only for Lineker's lack of inches to see his header go over the bar. So that was it, Agentina 2-1 England - all played out in 90 minutes of drama in front of a crowd of 115,000.
Semi Finals
A slightly lopsided line up with three European teams and Argentina. In the battle of the old enemies West Germany easily defeated France 2-0 with goals from Brehme and Voller. A similar scoreline saw Argentina see off Belgium with you-know-who grabbing both goals one of them simply stunning, almost like he'd just been warming up against England.
World Cup Final 1986
It's strange and maybe true, but this was a great game of football, yet it seems oddly anti-climactic. Yes, Argentina were two up and cruising when Karl Heinz Rummenigge pulled one back on 74 minutes, and it was 2-2 minutes later when Rudi Voller scored, and then 3-2 when Jorge Burruchaga scored the winner, but the real high point of this tournament was a week previous as Diego Armando Maradona had cemented his place as one of the two greatest players of all time.
 |
 BS PHOTO bfl 707 Mexico City World Cup Soccer Game 1986 $9.98 Time Remaining: 28d 14h 29m Buy It Now for only: $9.98 |
 World Cup 1986 WEST GERMANY FRANCE 20 semifinal DVDentire match $6.95 Time Remaining: 1h 35m |
 SAN MARINO 500 1000 Lire 1986 Proof Silver World Cup Soccer Proof Set $6.50 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 16h 15m |
 NEW VINTAGE WORLD CUP 1986 ARGENTINA MARADONA 10 RETRO SOCCER JERSEY SHIRT $26.99 Time Remaining: 26d 6h 53m Buy It Now for only: $26.99 |
 Mexico 100 Peso 1985 For 1986 World Cup Soccer Silver Proof Only 9006 Minted $49.00 Time Remaining: 1d 3h 52m |
NEW VINTAGE WORLD CUP 1986 ARGENTINA MARADONA 10 RETRO SOCCER JERSEY SHIRT $26.99 Time Remaining: 26d 6h 53m Buy It Now for only: $26.99 |
 1986 World Cup MOROCCO POLAND 00 englishentire match $5.99 Time Remaining: 3h 28m |
 Soccer Football Fussball Burkina Faso Bl 94 1986 World Cup Mexico MNH $1.99 Time Remaining: 13h 34m |
NEW VINTAGE WORLD CUP 1986 ARGENTINA MARADONA 10 RETRO SOCCER JERSEY SHIRT $26.99 Time Remaining: 26d 6h 53m Buy It Now for only: $26.99 |
 pennant fanion banderin WORLD CUP 1986 MEXICO PIQUE COPA MUNDIAL original packet $19.99 Time Remaining: 22h 29m |
 Two FIFA WORLD CUP Duffle Bags Vintage 1986 Mexico RARE $34.99 Time Remaining: 18d 3h 21m Buy It Now for only: $34.99 |
 MALTA MEXICO WORLD CUP FOOTBALL 1986 SOUVENIR SHEET FDC SPORTS UN SA EUROPE $2.99 Time Remaining: 3d 17h 41m |
 Big pennant WORLD CUP 1986 MEXICO team SCOTLAND COPA MUNDIAL banderin fanion $7.99 Time Remaining: 22h 29m |
 Kenya 1986 Mexico World Cup Football set on First Day Cover $15.01 Time Remaining: 29d 20h 55m Buy It Now for only: $15.01 |
 pennant WORLD CUP 1986 MEXICO Pique Copa del Mundial banderin fanion $9.99 Time Remaining: 22h 29m |
 10x8 Lab Printed Gary Lineker Peter Beardsley World Cup 1986 Photo England $3.78 Time Remaining: 24d 18h 39m Buy It Now for only: $3.78 |
 vintage 1986 MEXICO WORLD CUP COCA COLA soccer toy give away $3.29 Time Remaining: 16h 2m Buy It Now for only: $3.79 |
 Lot of 10 English ACE 1986 World Cup Stars Cards RARE $8.95 Time Remaining: 13h 46m |
 Tanzania 1986 World Cup set F U SG 494 7 $2.77 Time Remaining: 29d 20h 27m Buy It Now for only: $2.77 |
 MEXICO 86 WORLD CUP 1986 KEY RING PIQUE THE MASCOT NICE $12.00 Time Remaining: 21h 12m |
NEW VINTAGE WORLD CUP 1986 ARGENTINA MARADONA 10 RETRO SOCCER JERSEY SHIRT $26.99 Time Remaining: 26d 6h 53m Buy It Now for only: $26.99 |
 pennant WORLD CUP 1986 MEXICO Copa del Mundo MUNDIAL banderin fanion $39.99 Time Remaining: 2d 19h 36m |
 1986 Mexico World Cup 7 coin Proof Set $17.99 Time Remaining: 1d 6h 20m |
 Mexico 200 Pesos World Cup Soccer Commemorative 1986 Coin $6.99 Time Remaining: 4d 2h 47m Buy It Now for only: $6.99 |
 panini stickers world cup 1986 mexico removed from album $3.49 Time Remaining: 1d 6h 19m Buy It Now for only: $4.49 |
 BS PHOTO bfl 713 Mexico City World Cup Soccer Game 1986 $9.98 Time Remaining: 22d 4h 28m Buy It Now for only: $9.98 |
 MEXICO 86 WORLD CUP 1986 KEY RING PIQUE THE MASCOT LOGO $8.99 Time Remaining: 21h 11m |
 MEXICO 86 WORLD CUP 1986 NICKEL COIN 200 PESOS PLAYERS $7.99 Time Remaining: 21h 13m |
 NEW VINTAGE WORLD CUP 1986 ARGENTINA MARADONA 10 RETRO SOCCER JERSEY SHIRT $26.99 Time Remaining: 26d 6h 53m Buy It Now for only: $26.99 |
 World Cup 1986 ARGENTINA BELGIUM 20 semifinal DVDenglish commentary $6.95 Time Remaining: 4h 51m |
 Zambia 1986 World Cup set MNH SG 460 3 $6.72 Time Remaining: 29d 20h 34m Buy It Now for only: $6.72 |
 FIGURINE PANINI MEXICO 1986 WORLD CUP 86 ALBUM FOOTBALL STICKER ALBUM $19.15 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3d 20h 51m |
 HUMMEL Denmark VINTAGE Shirt WORLD CUP 1986 ICONIC Danish Dynamite FOOTBALL 86 $79.00 Time Remaining: 3d 23h 14m |
 Sierra Leone 1986 World Cup set MNH SG 922 5 $3.63 Time Remaining: 29d 20h 2m Buy It Now for only: $3.63 |
 WORLD CUP 1986 Ex+ BBC UK 1986 Spoken Word LP Huge Poster $15.79 Time Remaining: 19h 48m |
 Uganda 1986 Mexico World Cup set MNH SG 505 8 $6.32 Time Remaining: 29d 20h 33m Buy It Now for only: $6.32 |
 pin badge World Cup MEXICO 1986 ESTADIO LEON rare football soccer $7.99 Time Remaining: 22h 29m |
 MEXICO 86 WORLD CUP 1986 SILVER COIN 25 PESOS NICE SEE $11.50 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 21h 13m |
 UNCIRCULATED Mexico World Cup Commemorative 200 Peso 1986 coin $8.75 Time Remaining: 17d 4h 51m Buy It Now for only: $8.75 |
 SPAIN MEXICO WORLD CUP FOOT BALL 1986 S S FDC SPORTS CORDOBA EUROPE WORLD $2.99 Time Remaining: 3d 18h 10m |
 1986 Italy 500 silver coin MEXICO World CUP soccer UNC BU official box $19.99 Time Remaining: 16d 11h 23m Buy It Now for only: $19.99 |
 Mexico 86 World Cup 1986 Pin set 2 Fifa Cup Large small $12.90 Time Remaining: 21h 12m |
 World Cup 1986 quarterfinal BRAZIL FRANCE 34 DVD entire matchenglish $6.95 Time Remaining: 1d 15m |
 Mexico World Cup Soccer 1986 vintage ball flag T shirt $10.95 Time Remaining: 1d 12m Buy It Now for only: $10.95 |
 World Cup 1986 quarterfinal BELGIUM SPAIN 54 entire matchenglish commentary $6.95 Time Remaining: 1d 21m |
 Maradona Hand of God Goal 1986 World Cup 10x8 Photo $4.73 Time Remaining: 27d 3h 57m Buy It Now for only: $4.73 |
 Lk Sports Football Soccer 1986 FIFA World Cup Mexico Great Bronze Medal $14.99 Time Remaining: 2d 23h 20m |
 1986 MEXICO SOCCER WORLD CUP CBC SRC 2 RADIO CANADA PINS SET $24.99 Time Remaining: 1d 2h 49m |
 1986 WORLD CUP NEWS OF THE WORLD GUIDE TO THE 1986 WORLD CUP $7.89 Time Remaining: 24d 13h 32m Buy It Now for only: $7.89 |
 SOCCER imp s s korea WORLD CUP MEXICO 1986 $0.88 Time Remaining: 16h 39m |
 1985 1986 MEXICO 250 GOLD PESOS PROOF WORLD CUP SOCCER COMMEMORATIVE $449.99 Time Remaining: 17d 15h 19m Buy It Now for only: $449.99 |
 Collection stamps of World Cup football 1986 $159.00 Time Remaining: 3d 11h 50m |
 MEXICO 86 WORLD CUP 1986 KEY RING PLAYERS BRAZIL FLAG $12.99 Time Remaining: 21h 12m |
 1985 Mexico 250 Pesos Proof Gold Coin 1986 World Cup In Box w COA $499.95 Time Remaining: 28d 21h 42m Buy It Now for only: $499.95 |
 YUGOSLAVIA 1986 WORLD CUP SOCCER SET MNH $0.60 Time Remaining: 4d 12h 40m |
Mexico World Cup Soccer 1986 vintage ball flag T shirt $12.95 Time Remaining: 1d 12m Buy It Now for only: $12.95 |
 Korea Postcard The 13th Mixico FiFA World Cup 1986 unused $2.99 Time Remaining: 14h 42m |
 adidas Exclusive Limited Edition France 1986 World Cup Soccer Home Jersey NEW L $149.99 Time Remaining: 1d 6h 24m |
 1985 Mexico 250 Pesos Proof Gold Coin 1986 World Cup In Box w COA $499.95 Time Remaining: 28d 21h 45m Buy It Now for only: $499.95 |
 1986 Sports Illustrated ARGENTINA Wins THE WORLD CUP Diego MARADONA No Label $9.99 Time Remaining: 3d 5h 12m |
 1985 Mexico 250 Pesos Proof Gold Coin 1986 World Cup In Box w COA $499.95 Time Remaining: 28d 21h 47m Buy It Now for only: $499.95 |
 SOCCER imp s s korea WORLD CUP MEXICO 1986 $0.88 Time Remaining: 1d 4h 19m |
 MEXICO 1986 FIFA World Cup Mascot Pin PIQUE $19.99 Time Remaining: 21h 59m |
 NEVIS 1986 WORLD CUP SOCCER MINT SET OF 12 10 VAL $4.99 Time Remaining: 23d 3h 26m Buy It Now for only: $4.99 |
 Lot of 10 English ACE 1986 World Cup Stars Cards RARE Robson TIGANA Ceulemans $8.95 Time Remaining: 13h 46m |
 1986 World Cup Quarter Final Brazil vs France on DVD $6.98 Time Remaining: 13d 19h 49m Buy It Now for only: $6.98 |
 World Cup 1986 MEXICO BELGIUM 21 DVD entire match $9.95 Time Remaining: 3d 2h 34m |
 ENGLAND WORLD CUP SQUAD 1986 WEVE GOT THE WHOLE WORLD AT OUR FEET $18.81 Time Remaining: 2d 22h 50m |
 World Cup 1986 Spain vs Denmark 8 Final DVD Espana $9.99 Time Remaining: 25d 18h 21m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 1986 World Cup BELGIUM SOVIET UNION USSR 43 DVDenglish commentary $9.99 Time Remaining: 3d 1h 57m |
 1986 Soccer World Cup Championship Mystery Set Mexico $7.99 Time Remaining: 11d 17h 47m Buy It Now for only: $7.99 |
 1986 13th FIFA World Cup Mexico Football Soccer Patch $4.99 Time Remaining: 10h 42m Buy It Now for only: $6.99 |
 Mexico World Cup Soccer 1986 vintage ball jersey flag T shirt 2XL $6.95 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 5d 15h 27m |
 1986 FOOTBALL WORLD CUP All the Goals on DVD $9.99 Time Remaining: 15d 16h 38m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 1986 ITALY SOCCER WORLD CUP MEXICO 86 SILVER PROOF COIN ITALIA MESSICO $39.90 Time Remaining: 23h 16m Buy It Now for only: $44.00 |
 DIEGO MARADONA ARGENTINA WORLD CUP 1986 SIGNED PHOTO $7.89 Time Remaining: 24d 17h 15m Buy It Now for only: $7.89 |
 Diego Maradona Argentina Shirt Soccer FIFA World Cup 1986 Ball Art Print Poster $34.90 Time Remaining: 4d 14h 34m |
 1986 SAN MARINO SOCCER WORLD CUP MEXICO 86 2 COINS SET SILVER UNC $35.00 Time Remaining: 4d 21h 49m Buy It Now for only: $39.00 |
 MALI 1986 FOOTBALL WORLD CUP S SHEET MNH $5.99 Time Remaining: 27d 14h 17m Buy It Now for only: $5.99 |
 NEVIS1986 MEXICO WORLD CUP OFFICIAL FIFA COVER SIGNED BY RAY WILKINS $22.99 Time Remaining: 1d 1h |
NEW VINTAGE WORLD CUP 1986 ARGENTINA MARADONA 10 RETRO SOCCER JERSEY SHIRT $26.99 Time Remaining: 26d 6h 53m Buy It Now for only: $26.99 |
 1986 World Cup SCOTLAND URUGUAY DVDenglish commentary entire match $9.99 Time Remaining: 3d 20h 33m |
 ARGENTINA WEST GERMANY 32 World Cup 1986 final DVD entire match english $9.90 Time Remaining: 2d 6h 56m |
NEW VINTAGE WORLD CUP 1986 ARGENTINA MARADONA 10 RETRO SOCCER JERSEY SHIRT $26.99 Time Remaining: 26d 6h 53m Buy It Now for only: $26.99 |
 World Cup 1986 BRAZIL POLAND 40 entire match DVD english commentary $6.95 Time Remaining: 2d 6h 16m |
NEW VINTAGE WORLD CUP 1986 ARGENTINA MARADONA 10 RETRO SOCCER JERSEY SHIRT $26.99 Time Remaining: 26d 6h 53m Buy It Now for only: $26.99 |
 1986 World CupWEST GERMANY MOROCCO 10 entire match DVD english commentary $9.99 Time Remaining: 3d 21h 57m |
 Soccer Football Niger 908 11 1986 World Cup MNH $3.49 Time Remaining: 13h 19m |
NEW VINTAGE WORLD CUP 1986 ARGENTINA MARADONA 10 RETRO SOCCER JERSEY SHIRT $26.99 Time Remaining: 26d 6h 53m Buy It Now for only: $26.99 |
 PORTUGAL 10000 Mexico World Cup 1986 UNCIRCULATED $1.00 Time Remaining: 1d 2h 23m |
 Maradona Final World Cup 1986 Argentina v W Germany DVD $9.99 Time Remaining: 15d 17h 41m Buy It Now for only: $9.99 |
 elf IOM 1 Crown 1986 World Cup Soccer 3 Players Net $9.00 Time Remaining: 3d 5h 3m |
 1986 World Cup DENMARK URUGUAY 61entire match DVDenglish commentary $9.99 Time Remaining: 2d 20h 1m |
 Trevor Steven Everton England World cup 1986 Kent Police Card EX Condition $2.37 Time Remaining: 23d 15h 56m Buy It Now for only: $2.37 |
 LESOTHO MNH Bargains 1986 MExico WORLD CUP SOCCER 4 cat 14+ $0.99 Time Remaining: 1d 12h 52m |
 HUNGARY Sc 2979 84 MNH IMPERF of 1986 Sport World Cup Soccer Championship $18.38 Time Remaining: 25d 22h 28m Buy It Now for only: $18.38 |
 COLOURBOX Official Colourbox World Cup Theme 12 1986 4AD Records $3.14 Time Remaining: 1d 22h 25m |
 1986 Mexico World Cup First Day Cover of Team Mexico $1.56 Time Remaining: 5d 22h 26m |
 Panama 697 1986 World Cup Soccer Champships in Mexico Cover to USA Cinderella $3.65 Time Remaining: 28d 4h 8m Buy It Now for only: $3.65 |
 1986 Mexico World Cup First Day Cover of Team Mexico $1.56 Time Remaining: 5d 22h 26m |
