Football in the 1980's
Football in the 1980's was probably remembered for individual stars rising from teams. We remember Beckenbauer of Germany, Prosinescky of Croatia and especially the young and talented Maradona.
The 1982 World Cup saw Joao Havalange taking charge at the helm of FIFA. The twenty-four teams in six groups system was started and Spain was the host to this world cup. The competition itself however, was ill-organized and at times very "heated", with players having to endure matches in blistering conditions of 110 degrees Fahrenheit. That Italy should eventually win the tournament seemed quite an unlikely prospect in the beginning, especially after three unimpressive first round matches, but they ended off the tournament in style, with a Paolo Rossi exploding onto the scene, becoming the most dazzling star of the tournament. It was hard to find favourites for this tournament, though West Germany did have quite a good side. Argentina had a wonderful new weapon in Diego Maradona together with another striker fresh from the youth squad, but this tournament was not for them, and apart from one good match, Maradona and Argentina unimpressively bowed out of the tour! nament. This tournament was remembered for the failure of the implementation of the twenty-four team system and bad planning and organization on the part of the hosts. Nevertheless, it was won rightfully by argubly the best team in the final, and in splendid fashion.
Italy 3-1 Germany FR (0-0)
Stadium: Madrid
Referee: A. Coelho (Brazil)
Spectators: 90.000
Goals: 1-0, 2-0, 3-0, 3-1
Italy: Rossi (1), Tardelli (1), Altobelli (1)
Germany FR: Breitner (1)
Poland - Italy: 0-2
Germany FR - France: 3-3 (after extra-time) (penalty kicks: 5-4)
The 1986 World Cup was remembered as Maradona's World Cup. Never before had a player so influence the outcome of a World Cup, not even Pele. Apart from three amazing goals he scored, he also scored another with his hands, later calling it the "Hand of God", which he became famous for. Short, quick, and full of flair and genius, Maradona proved that in an era of improved defensive play and more focus on team play, individual talent could still prevail. Still, competition kept on improving, as teams focussed more on good teamwork and tighter defences, and teams like Germany, England and France, not forgetting Brazil, all fielded strong teams for the chance of being champions. But this World Cup was to be Maradona's, and Argentina's.
Argentina 3-2 Germany FR (1-0)
Stadium: Azteca
Referee: R. Arppi Filho (Brazil)
Spectators: 115.000
Goals: 1-0, 2-0, 2-1, 2-2, 3-2
Argentina: Brown (1), Valdano (1), Burruchaga (1)
Germany: Rummenigge (1), Völler (1)
France - Belgium 4-2 (after extra time)
Argentina - Belgium: 2-0
France - Germany FR: 0-2
The 1982 World Cup
The 1986 World Cup