With recognition of the event growing globally, the variety of groups vying for a spot in the primary draw elevated to 121.
Host: Mexico
Groups: 24
Format: Group stage, knockouts
Matches: 52
Objectives: 132
Winner: Argentina
Runners-up: West Germany
Golden Boot: Gary Lineker (England)
Background
Mexico grew to become the primary nation to host the World Cup twice after Colombia, initially picked to host the event, pulled out 4 years earlier than the event resulting from monetary causes.
Canada, USA and Mexico put their names ahead as substitute hosts and Mexico was chosen by the FIFA govt council.
With the recognition of the event growing globally, the variety of groups vying for a spot in the primary draw elevated to 121. Africa and Asia got two spots every, whereas Europe had 14 and South America 4.
Canada, Denmark and Iraq made their World Cup debuts.
Maradona, 25, led his facet and performed each minute of their World Cup journey, scoring 5 objectives and offering 5 assists.
Denmark made a surprising debut, successful all their group video games however have been knocked out within the second spherical by Spain.
Holders Italy have been additionally knocked out within the second spherical by France.
France, Belgium and Mexico proceeded to the quarterfinals with penalty shootout wins. The fourth quarterfinal between Argentina and England was determined in regular time however with no much less pleasure. Maradona scored the primary objective, an obvious header which might later end up to have touched his hand and termed the “Hand of God” objective.
The second, voted the objective of the century on FIFA web site in 2002, noticed Maradona make a run from his personal half and beat 5 England gamers earlier than beguiling the goalkeeper. The match got here on the again of the 1982 Falklands Struggle between the 2 nations.
Argentina met West Germany within the closing, and seemed set for a win with a 2-0 lead when the Germans made a trademark comeback. Six minutes from time, Maradona created the right alternative for Jorge Burruchaga, who duly transformed to provide Argentina their second World Cup title.
Highs
Maradona’s mesmerising efficiency.
Debuts for Canada, Denmark and Iraq.
Beginning of the Mexican wave.
Lows
Controversy over host choice.
