With reputation of the event growing globally, the variety of groups vying for a spot in the principle 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 alternative 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 principle 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 aspect and performed each minute of their World Cup journey, scoring 5 objectives and offering 5 assists.
Denmark made a shocking debut, profitable all their group video games however had been knocked out within the second spherical by Spain.
Holders Italy had 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 purpose, an obvious header which might later end up to have touched his hand and termed the “Hand of God” purpose.
The second, voted the purpose 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 Warfare between the 2 nations.
Argentina met West Germany within the remaining, and appeared set for a win with a 2-0 lead when the Germans made a trademark comeback. Six minutes from time, Maradona created the proper alternative for Jorge Burruchaga, who duly transformed to present 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.