The 1986 FIFA World Cup was won by:

• Argentina.

This tournament is particularly famous for the outstanding performance of Diego Maradona, who played a crucial role in Argentina's victory.

The 1986 FIFA World Cup, held in Mexico, is one of the most memorable tournaments in football history, largely due to the iconic performances of Diego Maradona. Here's a breakdown of key aspects:  

Key Highlights of the 1986 World Cup

• Host Nation:

• Mexico hosted the tournament, stepping in after Colombia withdrew due to economic concerns. This made Mexico the first country to host the World Cup twice.  

• Argentina's Triumph:

• Argentina won the World Cup, their second title.  

• Diego Maradona was the star of the tournament, delivering exceptional performances that solidified his place in football legend.  

• Maradona's Impact:

• The tournament is particularly famous for Maradona's quarter-final match against England.  

• He scored the controversial "Hand of God" goal and then followed it up with a spectacular solo effort that was later voted "Goal of the Century."  

• Final Match:

• Argentina defeated West Germany 3-2 in a thrilling final match held at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.  

• Other Notable Facts:

• The tournament featured 24 teams.  

• England's Gary Lineker was the tournament's top scorer with six goals.  

• It was the first world cup for the national teams of, Canada, Denmark and Iraq.

• The "Mexican wave" was popularized worldwide during this tournament.  

The 1986 World Cup is remembered for its exciting matches, Maradona's brilliance, and the vibrant atmosphere in Mexico.

Maradona’s influence

Diego Maradona's dominance at the 1986 World Cup went far beyond just scoring goals. He essentially carried Argentina to victory, displaying a level of individual brilliance that few players have ever matched. Here's a deeper look:  

1. Leadership and Influence:

• Maradona was the captain and the heart of the Argentine team. He inspired his teammates with his passion, skill, and unwavering determination.  

• He was the focal point of Argentina's attack, with almost every offensive move running through him.  

2. Exceptional Skill and Dribbling:

• Maradona's dribbling ability was on full display. He could weave past defenders with incredible ease, creating scoring opportunities out of seemingly nothing.  

• His close control, agility, and vision made him virtually unplayable at times.

3. The "Hand of God" and "Goal of the Century":

• The quarter-final against England cemented his legendary status.

• The "Hand of God" goal, where he punched the ball into the net, was a moment of controversy and cunning.  

• Just minutes later, he scored one of the greatest goals in World Cup history, dribbling past multiple English defenders before slotting the ball home. This goal showcased his extraordinary skill and athleticism.  

• These two goals in one game, demonstrated the two sides of Maradona, the cunning competitor, and the sublime footballing artist.  

4. Playmaking and Assisting:

• Maradona wasn't just a goalscorer; he was also a brilliant playmaker. He created numerous scoring opportunities for his teammates with his precise passes and through balls.  

• His assists were just as important as his goals in Argentina's path to victory.

5. Consistent Performance:

• Maradona delivered outstanding performances throughout the entire tournament, not just in a single match.

• He was a constant threat to opposing defenses, and his consistency was crucial to Argentina's success.

6. Psychological Impact:

• His presence on the field had a significant psychological impact on both his teammates and opponents.

• Opposing teams were often focused on trying to contain him, which created space for other Argentine players.

• His teammates gained confidence from his presence.

In essence, Maradona's 1986 World Cup performance was a masterclass in individual brilliance. He combined skill, leadership, and determination to lead Argentina to victory, leaving an indelible mark on football history.

Quiz on the 1986 World Cup with PUNDIT

Relive Maradona's Magic with the 1986 World Cup Quiz!

"The 1986 World Cup in Mexico. Maradona's tournament. The 'Hand of God,' the 'Goal of the Century,' and Argentina's triumphant victory. It's a World Cup that's etched in football history, and PUNDIT lets you relive every thrilling moment through the power of trivia!

Imagine this: you're sitting around the table with your friends, the atmosphere is electric, and you're about to test your knowledge on one of football's most iconic tournaments. PUNDIT's diverse question categories will transport you back to Mexico '86, challenging you on:

• Maradona's Brilliance:

• From his legendary goals to his masterful playmaking, PUNDIT will definitely quiz you on Diego Maradona and his teammates.

• The Final Showdown:

• Remember the tension of Argentina vs. West Germany? PUNDIT will test your memory of the final match, from the goalscorers to the pivotal moments that decided the outcome.

• Tournament Highlights:

• Beyond Maradona, PUNDIT will cover other key events, like Gary Lineker's golden boot, the surprise performances of Denmark, and the overall atmosphere of the Mexican stadiums.

• Player and Team Stats:

• Who were the other key players in the Argentine squad? Which teams surprised and which teams disappointed? PUNDIT will delve into the stats and stories that made the tournament so memorable.

With PUNDIT, you're not just answering questions; you're reliving the 1986 World Cup. You'll debate controversial calls, celebrate iconic goals, and immerse yourself in the nostalgia of one of football's greatest moments. It's the perfect way for football trivia fanatics to test their knowledge and share their passion for the beautiful game.

So, gather your friends, grab your copy of PUNDIT, and get ready to experience the magic of the 1986 World Cup all over again!