Fifa World Cup 1986 - Host Nation Mexico
Mexico took over hosting the 1986 World Cup following the collapse of the Columbian economy and Mexico also had a series of devastating earthquakes and as non of the stadium were affected they got the all clear to run with staging the 1986 World Cup.
The Mexican tournament was run with the four best third placed teams joining the six group winners and runners-up into the KO-stage round of 16. For anyone remembering the1986 World Cup they will remember that the games were played at high altitude and at difficult hours of the day. Kick-off was at noon and 4:00pm in broiling mid-day sun to get optimal TV-audience world-wide.
The Mexican World Cup was all about one superstar and that was Maradona as firstly any England fan will recall his first goal in the quarter finals with his hand of god goal and the second that goes down as one of the World Cup great goals. After this display there was only going to be one winner of this World Cup and that was Argentina.
The hosts Mexico made it to the quarterfinal where they lost on penalties to West Germany, but it was a creditable overall showing by the hosts.
One of the games of the 1986 World Cup was the quarter final between France and Brazil where a number of legendary players in their thirties left blood, sweat and tears on the field for two full hours before France emerged as winners on penalties even if Platini missed from the penalty spot. Zico missed in regulation time. France then met West Germany in a semi final replay of 1982, but this game had none of the drama and action of four years earlier as the Germans once again came out on top.
England's campaign was not going well until Gary Lineker scored a hat-trick in the final first round game against Poland. No goals scored, captain Bryan Robson sent home with a shoulder injury and Ray Wilkins sent off against Morocco. Things suddenly turned for England and Paraguay were brushed aside with ease before Maradona awaited. Lineker's six goals made him the first ever English topscorer in a World Cup.
