1986 FIFA World Cup – Mexico
The 1986 FIFA World Cup was going to be in Colombia, that was chosen in 1974. But in 1982, due to economic reasons, the president of Colombia declared that they could not host it anymore. Mexico, United States and Canada submitted bids to be the replacement and Mexico was chosen, after hosting it only 16 years before, becoming the first country to host the World Cup twice.
The tournament almost had to be canceled in Mexico due to the 1985 Mexico City earthquake that cause a serious damage around the Mexican capital. As the stadiums were not affected, it was decide to go ahead with the tournament in Mexico.
The format of the competition changed from 1982. There would be only one group stage, with 24 teams divided in 6 groups. Then, 16 teams would advance to the round of 16 to play knock-out games. Another significant change was that the final 2 matches of each group would be played at the same time.
The 24 places would be allocated as follow: 2 for the hosts and defending champions, 12 to UEFA, 4 to CONMEBOL, 2 to AFC, 1 to CONCACAF and 2 to CAF. The last place was contested by the 13th from UEFA vs. the winner of the OFC (including Israel and Chinese Taipei).
Maradona was brilliant and will be always remembered for scoring two epic goals in this world cup. The first one, always called “Hand of God”, was scored against England when Maradona jumped next to Peter Shilton, the English goalkeeper, and lightly punched the ball into the goal before Shilton could reach it. The referee did not see it and the goal was valid. The second one, at the same game, was voted the “Goal of the Century”. Maradona got the ball behind midfield, advanced half the length of the field dribbling 5 English players and scored.
The final was played again by West Germany, for the second consecutive time, and Argentina. Argentina was winning 2-0 until the 74th minute, when West Germany scored their first goal and, six minutes later, scored another tying the game. But, a few minutes, a pass from Maradona left Burrochaga in a scoring position and he didn’t loose the chance. Final score: 3-2. Argentina is the champion for the second time.
List of qualified teams: Algeria, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, England, France, Hungary, Iraq, Italy, Mexico, Morocco, Northern Ireland, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Scotland, South Korea, Soviet Union, Spain, Uruguay, West Germany.
Champions: Argentina
2nd place: West Germany
3rd place: France
Top scorer player: Gary Lineker, England – 6 goals
Top scorer team: Argentina – 14 goals
Total of goals: 132 goals
Average per match: 2.54
List of all the tournaments
- 1930 FIFA World Cup – Uruguay
- 1934 FIFA World Cup – Italy
- 1938 FIFA World Cup – France
- 1950 FIFA World Cup – Brazil
- 1954 FIFA World Cup – Switzerland
- 1958 FIFA World Cup – Sweden
- 1962 FIFA World Cup – Chile
- 1966 FIFA World Cup – England
- 1970 FIFA World Cup – Mexico
- 1974 FIFA World Cup – West Germany