The film
The Godfather may have been decorated by the magnificence of Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, Sterling Hayden, Diane Keaton and others, but it is best remember for arguably the greatest acting performance of all time: Marlon Brando’s portrayal of Vito Corleone.
Likewise, while Emilio Butragueno, Preben Elkjaer, Enzo Francescoli, Gary Lineker, Michel Platini and Zico dazzled at Mexico 1986, it is best remembered for arguably the greatest World Cup campaign of all time, courtesy of Diego Maradona. Narrated by movie legend Sir Michael Caine, 1986 FIFA World Cup™: The Official Film is monopolised by one mesmerising talent. Watch it below…
53
Maradona holds the record for suffering the most fouls in a World Cup (53 at Mexico 1986) and the most fouls in one match (23 against Italy at Spain 1982) – unbelievable considering how much stricter officials are these days. Overall, he won 152 free-kicks at the World Cup. Lionel Messi won the next most at 75.
The Goal of the Century
“Maradona on the ball now,” commentator Victor Hugo Morales told million of listeners as the Argentina No10 collected possession in the 55th minute of a Mexico 1986 quarter-final against England. “Two closing him down. Maradona rolls his foot over the ball and breaks away down the right, the genius of world football. He goes past a third, looks for Burruchaga.
“Maradona forever! Genius! Genius! Genius! He’s still going… Gooooal! Sorry, I want to cry! Good God! Long live football! What a goal! A memorable run from Maradona. The greatest solo goal of all time. Cosmic Kite, which planet did you come from?”
Did you know?
5
Maradona is the only man to register five goals and five assists in one World Cup. He was directly involved in 71 per cent of Argentina’s goals at Mexico 1986 – the second-best ratio for a triumphant team behind David Villa (75 per cent for Spain in 2010). No player in the history of the competition has created more chances than ‘El Pelusa’ (66).
What they said about Maradona…
“What Zidane could do with a ball, Maradona could do with an orange.”
Michel Platini
“I saw Maradona do things that God himself would doubt were possible.”
Zico
“When Diego scored that second goal against us, I felt like applauding. It was impossible to score such a beautiful goal. He’s the greatest player of all time – by a long way. A genuine phenomenon.”
Gary Lineker
“The ball has been around for centuries. It was at it happiest when on the left foot of Diego.”
Jorge Valdano
