Memorable moments: Maradona’s solo ranks among the most beautiful goals in history

The year is 1986 and the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Mexico pit Argentina and England against each other. The South American national team is led by the legendary Diego Maradona, and it is this performance that will definitively place him among the best and most controversial footballers of all time.

At the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, 24 national teams competed against each other. An interesting fact about this championship is that it was originally to be hosted by Colombia. However, as it did not meet the conditions to host the event, it was awarded to Mexico.

Argentina brought a very good team to the championship, led by Diego Maradona. In the group, it had no problems to advance from the first place, beating South Korea and Bulgaria, drawing only with the Italian team. Diego Maradona helped the team with one goal.

But in the knockout stages, Maradona proved his genius. In the quarter-finals in particular, he scored two goals to win 2-1 against England. And the second one was really worth it!

Everything came together in the 55th minute when Maradona got the ball in a difficult position in his own half. However, with great ball work he evaded two opposing players and headed towards the opposition goal. But on the way he met two other defending players, through whom he got through thanks to his gathered speed, until he came across the goalkeeper, whom he laid off and finished into the uncovered goal.

This goal is often referred to as the Goal of the Century, plus it was ultimately the winning goal for Argentina, sending them to the semi-finals of the championship. Here, Argentina beat Belgium 2-0 and it was again thanks to two goals from Maradona.

Fans then had the chance to see a nerve-wracking final between Argentina and the Federal Republic of Germany. Although Argentina took a 2-0 lead, the Germans managed to level the score within six minutes. It was Burruchaga’s goal in the 83rd minute that gave the Argentines gold.

Diego Maradona was named the best player of the tournament after the tournament. Experts also agree that it was his best tournament ever.

However, the truth is that his performance was overshadowed by his foul in the quarter-final against England, when he scored a goal with his hand, but was still recognised. Some see his actions as a meanness for which he should be ashamed, while others believe that this highlights his genius. Whatever the case, Maradona was truly one of the best footballers in history.

Source: YouTube, Lidovky, Wikipedia, FIFA