David Pleat, working as a television analyst for ITV at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, recalls the unforgettable quarter-final between England and Argentina at the Azteca Stadium. The match featured two iconic moments from Diego Maradona: the controversial "Hand of God" goal and what Pleat calls the best goal he has ever seen live.
Buildup and Atmosphere
The journey to the stadium was arduous, with bumper-to-bumper traffic in Mexico City. Pleat notes that corrupt local policemen often demanded bribes from drivers. The crowd of 114,000 was already in place long before kick-off, creating a constant hissing and humming noise like a huge nest of bees. Commentator Martin Tyler and Pleat climbed high to the gantry for their commentary position.
England had previously won at the Azteca against Paraguay, boasting a strong spine: Peter Shilton in goal, Terry Butcher at centre-back, Glenn Hoddle in midfield, and Gary Lineker up front. Wingers Chris Waddle and John Barnes struggled to secure places. Pleat worried about midfield recovery speed at altitude, noting that the biggest challenge is recovery runs, and the ball must do the work.
The Hand of God
Early in the second half, Maradona scored his first goal. Pleat believes that Maradona, wary of being thumped by the onrushing Shilton, raised his arm, and the ball struck his hand and nestled in the net. With no linesman's flag or referee's whistle, Maradona celebrated. England players protested to referee Ali Ben Nasser, who never officiated another World Cup game but kept the ball as a souvenir.
Maradona's Magnificent Second
Minutes later, Maradona scored a stunning second goal, twisting past Reid, Beardsley, Butcher, and Fenwick before placing the ball past Shilton. Pleat calls it the best goal he has seen live, ahead of Gareth Bale's overhead kick for Real Madrid against Liverpool in the 2018 Champions League final and Son Heung-min's solo run against Burnley.
England's Fightback and Aftermath
Bobby Robson brought on Waddle and Barnes. A superb Barnes cross was headed in by Lineker, but England were out. Robson, usually polite, marched to the referee and lost his temper in a post-match interview. Pleat also recalls his own commentary faux pas: when Maradona clipped to the back post, he said, "Maradona gets amazing elevation on his balls from the tightest of angles."
Comparisons and Changes
Pleat notes that other quarter-finalists included Brazil, Mexico, Spain, Belgium, France, and West Germany. He observes that African teams have improved enormously in the past 40 years. The English TV crew in 1986 stayed in the same complex as the team in Saltillo, an arrangement that would never happen now. The squad lacked modern facilities, with some players enjoying racing scenes and betting on US races.
England started nervously, losing to Portugal and drawing with Morocco. The press corps anticipated a quick return. However, Robson and Don Howe changed tactics for the match against Poland, leading to a hat-trick from Lineker in a 3-0 win. Confidence rose after beating Paraguay, but Maradona ended England's hopes. Pleat hopes the current England team can return to the Azteca, defeat Mexico, and put the ghost of Maradona to bed.
