Wednesday 29 June 2016, 18:06

Memories of an unforgettable World Cup

Thirty years have gone by since the 1986 FIFA World Cup Mexico™, which saw Argentina win the Trophy for a second time and Diego Maradona crowned the king of world football. In looking back on a memorable tournament, FIFA.com has brought you a series of articles, videos and photos over the last week.

It was at Mexico 1986 that Maradona scored the “Goal of the Century” against England. Eulogising that work of art in a superb video are Ronaldo, Diego Forlan, Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi, who described El Diez as “his World Cup” hero.

Adding a special touch to our look back to a unique moment in football history are the revelations of Maradona himself and the legendary description of the goal by Argentinian commentator Victor Hugo Morales. El Pelusa also scored the “Hand of God” goal in that game, which ended with one of the England players making off with the No10’s blue jersey. Want to know which one? Here’s the answer.

The quarter-final meeting between Brazil and France was another high point of the tournament, 120 minutes of high-octane football that culminated with a penalty shoot-out and Les Bleus celebrating a place in the semi-finals. One of the France players takes us right back to that day at the Estadio Jalisco de Guadalajara and tells us what was going through his head when he stepped up to take his spot-kick.

Records, memories and legends The 1986 world finals also produced a number of records, among them the fastest red card in the history of the competition, which was issued to Uruguay’s Jose Batista in the group match against Scotland. He reflects on the experience in detail, even down to the kitman’s response on seeing him return to the dressing room: “How can you get sent off when they’re still playing the national anthem?”.

The inimitable Enzo Scifo guided Belgium to the semi-finals in Mexico. Though Argentina ended their hopes of reaching the Final, his side’s run showed him that anything is possible in football, including the impossible, as Maradona showed in scoring the two goals that decided an evenly contested encounter.

It was a World Cup that yielded a host of stories and stats. The tournament winners were responsible for many of them, some of which are well worth recalling. And then there are the many mementos of the tournament on display at the FIFA World Football Museum, which you can see for yourself in a unique virtual tour.

A lot has been said about the superstitions and eccentricities of Argentina’s coach at Mexico 1986, Carlos Salvador Bilardo. Do you want to know if he received a winner’s medal or not, if he banned the players from eating certain types of food or if he touched the World Cup Trophy? The man they call The man they call The man they call

There is also host of superb photos for you to peruse on your journey back in time. Enjoy the trip!