THE ROAD TO RUSSIA: 1986
■ The 13th edition of the World Cup was played in Mexico from June 1 to 29. Mexico hosted the 13th World Cup finals less than a year after being hit by a massive earthquake that left 30,000 dead. ■ With European nations not allowed to host after the previous World Cup in Spain, Colombia had been originally chosen by Fifa but was not able to play host and officially quit in 1982. Mexico was selected in May 1983, making it the third World Cup in succession to be hosted by a Spanish- speaking country, after Spain in 1982, and Argentina in 1978. ■ Argentina won the World Cup ( their second title, after 1978). They were captained by the 25- year old Diego Maradona, who played a large part in his team’s success. ■ Maradona scored the infamous “Hand of God” goal, as well as another voted “Goal of the Century”, in the same quarter- final against England. They were two of the five goals he scored during the tournament, and he also created another five for his team mates. ■ Argentina beat West Germany 3- 2 in the final at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca. Total attendance was 2,394,031, an average per match of 46,039. Canada, Denmark and Iraq made their first appearances at the final stage. ■ The 1986 World Cup saw the appearance of an audience phenomenon, the “Mexican wave”, popularised worldwide after featuring during the tournament. ■ The format of the competition changed from 1982, with the second round now being played on a knock- out basis. The 24 teams were divided into six groups of four. The top two teams and the four best third- place finishers from the six groups advanced to the knockout round of 16. ■ As in 1970, the players had to endure searing heat and thin air — and midday kickoffs, thanks to television schedules. ■ The match of the tournament took place in the quarterfinals, when Zico's Brazil faced Michel Platini- inspired France, who had already knocked out holders Italy, in Guadalajara. A flowing match finished 1- 1 before France won the penalty shootout 43. ■ Maradona was the star of the tournament. After seeing off England in the quarters, he produced more magic to send Belgium packing in the semi- finals. West Germany beat France in the other semi- final, just as they had four years earlier, but in the final they were quickly 2- 0 down to Argentina, Jose Luis Brown and Jorge Valdano scoring. ■ Karl- Heinz Rummenigge and Rudi Voller then netted in the closing stages to force extra- time, only for Maradona, inevitably, to send Jorge Burruchaga through for the winner. Not since Pele in 1970 had one man so inspired a team to glory. In the match played for the third place France defeated Belgium 4- 2 in extra time. ■ A total of 132 goals were scored by 82 different players in 52 matches at an average of 2.54 goals per match. England's Gary Lineker received the Golden Boot for scoring six goals, the highest in the tournament.