In 1986, Mexico became the first nation to stage
the World Cup Finals for a second time; having only staged the competition 16 years
previously, in 1970.
Colombia were the original choice as hosts but dropped out in
1983, for financial reasons.
Mexico was hit by an earthquake, killing 20,000 people, before the
finals but as the stadiums were not affected, the tournament went ahead as scheduled.
The two-round, group format, used in Spain
82, was dropped in favour of a last 16 knockout system for the winners and runners-up
of the six first-round groups; along with the best four, third-placed teams.
This meant that only eight teams went home early: Algeria, Canada,
Hungary, Iraq, Northern Ireland, Portugal, Scotland and South Korea.
The enthusiasm of the Mexican fans was contagious as they brought the
'Mexican Wave' to the watching world. Unfortunately, for the host nation, the team were
held (0:0) in the quarter-finals, by West Germany and lost out on penalties; only managing
to convert one penalty, in response to West Germany's four.
Enough about the losers, the winners of the tournament were Argentina;
inspired by Diego Maradona (5 goals), who helped knock England out at the quarter-final
stage with his legendary 'Hand of God' act of cheating. To make up for it, the soon-to-be
cocaine addict scored a superb goal against Belgium, in the semi-finals.
The West Germans, once again, ended up the beaten finalists (3rd time)
as Argentina celebrated a (3:2) final victory and their second spell as World Cup
champions.
