The 1986 FIFA World Cup was one for the history books, as Diego Maradona single-handedly won the cup for Argentina. His performance at the tournament is regarded as the best individual performance in World Cup history.
Throughout the tournament Maradona was doing it all, he was captain; and led the team with five goals and assists. What made him so dangerous on the pitch was his speed and ability to create chances for himself and his teammates. He was on a mission to bring back glory to his country and set a name for himself at the biggest stage of football.
Argentina made it through the group stage easily, and from then on, Maradona left his mark at the tournament against England in the quarterfinals. During the first half, the match was very stalemate as both teams failed to score, but what occurred in the second half created arguably two unforgettable moments in World Cup history. In the 51st minute Maradona scored what was later named “The Hand of God”, as the ball deflected off an English defender and Maradona jumped and punched the ball with his hand to score. As he celebrated, the entire England squad swarmed the referee in disgust as they protested that it was a handball, but the goal stood. Not even five minutes later, Maradona scored what is considered the greatest goal scored in World Cup history, as he dribbled through the entire England squad.
Embed from Getty ImagesArgentina went on to win the match 2-1, and he later scored two more in a 2-0 win in the semifinals against Belgium. Setting up the final between Argentina and West Germany. The final was an exciting match as Argentina surrendered a 2-0 late in the match, but Maradona bailed out his team yet again as he set up the game winning assist in the 85th minute. Sending his team over the hump and winning the match, and crowned World Cup champions for the second time.
Maradona winning the World Cup cemented his name as one of the greatest of all time. Footballers across the world say winning the World Cup is very difficult, but Maradona seemingly did it on his own, and that there is a feat no one will ever accomplish anytime soon.
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