In the FIFA World Cup 1986 Mexico, England was qualified to top 16 as a group runner-up, then they beat Paraguay in the round of 16 and advanced for the quarter-final. Meanwhile, Argentina was unbeaten, and they defeated Uruguay in top 16 into book their place in the quarter-final. This quarterfinal game was hosted in Estadio Azteca. Argentina was lined up with a 3-5-1-1 formation, while England was using a 4-4-2 formation.
The first half was a goalless draw between these two. England was dominating Argentian in attacking, but Argentina was enjoying more of the ball. Argentina only lacked in the attack. In the second half, both teams were trying their best. Then Diego Maradona skipped past the ball and passed it to Jorge Valdano. Then Maradona makes a quick run into the box, the ball skipped up on the Jhorge Valdano’s foot, and Hodge widely hooked it into his penalty area. The ball was falling in the opponent box, Maradona and England Goalkeeper Peter Shilton jumping for the ball. Peter jumped forward with his right hand.
Meanwhile, Maradona also jumped with his left arm outstretched. Then the Argentine was first to touch the ball with his hands. Then he punched the ball, and it rolled toward the goal. None of the officials spotted that movement and the goal were given by the referee Ali Bin Nasser.
After scoring the Hand of God Goal, Argentina players and fans celebrated a lot. Then just after the four minutes, another goal was scored by Maradona. Argentine mid-fielder Hector Enrique passed the ball to the Maradona inside their half. Then Maradona began his 60 yards, 10-second dash toward the English goal. He gave the ball through four English players: Peter Reid, Peter Beardsley, Terry Butcher, and Terry Fenwick. Maradona finished the move with dribbling left goalkeeper Shilton on his bottom before slotting the ball into the net. With this Goal, Argentina was 2-0 up against England. This goal is known as the Goal of the Century.
“I Made the play to give it to Valdano, but when I got to the area they surrounded me, and I had no space. Therefore, I had to continue the play and finish myself” Maradona on his second goal against England
“ I don’t think I could have done it against any other team because they all used to knock you down: they are probably the noblest in the world” Maradona Complemented the fair play of English team
In 2002 that goal by Diego Maradona was voted as the Goal of the Century. That goal beat the goal by Michel Owen of England against Argentina in 1998 World Cup.
After the English side was 2-0 down, they made some attacking changes. English players were trying their best and pushing forward. Then in an 80th minute, Gary Linker scored for England from Barnes cross. It was the Linker’s sixth goal of the tournament. Then both teams had few chances, but the score remained the same, and Argentina won the match.
Then Argentina won the 1986 FIFA World Cup Mexico by defeating West Germany in the Final. England’s Garry Linker won the Golden Boot for being the top scorer of that tournament. Then in 1990 FIFA World Cup Argentina Finished as runners-up and England finished fourth.
Then in 1998 FIFA World Cup, these two sides met again in the round of 16. Argentina won that encounter, in that match, both teams were awarded a penalty. That was another controversial match between these two teams. In that match David Beckham was sent off, Sol Campbell had a goal disallowed, and Michel Owen scored a spectacular goal.
Again in the 2002 World Cup, these two teams faced each other and England won that game with the narrow 1-0 scoreline. It was the group stage match between these two, where David Beckham penalty won the game for England. In that World Cup Argentina was failed to advance to the Knockout Round.
Argentina- England Rivalry
Football was brought to Argentina in 19th century by British expatriates. The rivalry between Argentina and England was started in the 1966 FIFA World Cup. It was the quarter-final match between these two teams at the Wembley stadium. In that match Argentine captain Antonio Rattin was red carded, and later Argentina lost that match. This game was full of foul play. Then England coach Alif Ramsey described Argentine as “animals,” which was viewed as the racist by the Argentines. After than the rivalry continued between these two.
The rivalry was also outside the football field, in the 1982 Falkland War. Britain administrates the Falkland Islands. Then in April Argentina troops invaded the Falkland Islands. Then Britain considered this as an invasion of their territory. Then Britain sends task force that recaptured the Falkland Islands in June. This conflict between these two resulted in 655 Argentine and 258 British death.
After the 1986 FIFA World Cup Quarter Final win against England Maradona said “Although we had said before the game that football had nothing to do with the Malvinas war, we knew they had killed a lot of Argentine boys there, killed them like birds. And this was revenge.”
Maradona Visited Ali Bin Narrer
Back on August 17, 2015, Maradona visited Ali Bin Nasser. Nasser was the reverse of the 1986 FIFA World Cup Quarter Final match between Argentina and England. Maradona meets him in his home in Tunisia and paid tribute to him by giving Argentine Jersey baring his signature. Maradona referred to Nasser as “My Eternal Friend.”
Conclusions
The Quarter Final encounter of 1986 World Cup between Argentina and England was one of the most controversial and famous matches in the history of football. The main reason for the popularity of this match was Diego Maradona, whose both goals scored in that match are famous.
The first goal scored by him is known as The Hand of God Goal and the second goal was voted as the goal of the century. The Argentina-England rivalry is one of the most football rivalries. Maximum times when these two teams meet on the football field, we have seen many controversies. This match was one of the most controversial encounters between these two, and it will be remembered forever.
Thank you very much for spending your valuable time reading my article. I hope you all like it.
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