Mexico 1986: the World Cup that belonged to Maradona

Few players have ever dominated a World Cup like Diego Maradona did in Mexico in 1986. Argentina had a solid, well-organised team under coach Carlos Bilardo – but it was built around one man, and he delivered.

Four minutes against England

The quarter-final against England at the Azteca on 22 June became the most talked-about match in World Cup history. Early in the second half, Maradona punched the ball past goalkeeper Peter Shilton. The referee gave the goal; Maradona later called it "the hand of God".

Four minutes later he scored the goal that made the first one almost forgivable. Collecting the ball in his own half, he spun away from two opponents and ran more than half the length of the pitch, past defender after defender, before rounding Shilton and scoring. In 2002 it was voted the Goal of the Century in a FIFA poll. Argentina won 2–1.

The rest of the run

In the semi-final Maradona scored twice more against Belgium, the second another solo run through the defence. In the final, West Germany came back from 2–0 down to level at 2–2, before Maradona threaded the pass that sent Jorge Burruchaga through to score the winner. Argentina won 3–2.

Maradona finished the tournament with five goals and five assists and was named the best player of the World Cup. No player has had a greater individual influence on a World Cup since.