I am joined for a third time by Dr Pete Watson from the University of Leeds to discuss the ultimate grudge match in World Cup history, certainly from one side, at least. We’re discussing Argentina versus England at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on 22 June 1986.
It was the first time the two countries had met since the acrimonious Malvinas/Falklands Conflict four years earlier. Argentina famously won it with two of the most famous goals in history from Diego Maradona in the space of five minutes early in the second half – the ‘Hand of God’ and the ‘Goal of the Century’. England almost pegged it back after John Barnes’ brilliant impact off the bench setting up Gary Lineker for one goal and almost a second, but it finished 2-1 to the South Americans.
There is so much to unpack in this match, from international diplomacy to conversations about colonialism.
In this podcast, we cover:
Historical Context of the Rivalry: We explore the deep-rooted tensions between Argentina and England, stemming from political, economic, and perceived pseudo-colonial histories.
The Shadow of the Malvinas/Falklands Conflict: The match was profoundly influenced by the Malvinas/Falklands, which added layers of political and emotional significance to the encounter for both nations.
Build-Up to the Match: The global media framed the game as a symbolic rematch of the Malvinas/Falklands Conflict, heightening the tension and nationalistic fervoUr in both countries’ media, despite players downplaying its political implications.
The Match: While the first half was uneventful, the second half became iconic due to Maradona’s controversial ‘Hand of God’ goal and the subsequent ‘Goal of the Century’, which showcased his footballing genius.
Post-Match Reactions: In Argentina, the victory was celebrated as a national triumph over ‘colonial’ powers, while the British press oscillated between outrage over Maradona’s handball and admiration for his second goal.
Maradona’s Iconic Status: The match cemented Diego Maradona’s legacy as a global football icon and a symbol of defiance against colonial powers, particularly for Argentina and former British colonies.
Broader Implications of the Match: Beyond football, the match became a metaphor for geopolitical struggles, with Argentina viewing it as a moment of reclaiming pride and asserting identity against a perceived oppressor.
The Aftermath in England: The match left a mixed legacy in England, with criticisms of the team’s performance and enduring memories of Maradona’s goals overshadowing the broader context.
Cultural Narratives: The rivalry exemplified stereotypes: England as disciplined yet thuggish, and Argentina as skillful but cunning, reinforcing narratives that persisted in football discourse.
Legacy of the Match: Today, the 1986 quarter-final is remembered as one of football’s most significant games, embodying themes of genius, controversy, and historical resonance, celebrated in Argentina and scrutinised in England.
—
I release a new podcast every two weeks, so be sure to subscribe on your preferred podcast platform. You can find Football Travel by Outside Write on Apple, Spotify, Player.FM and Anchor. Look for it in Google Podcasts too. I’d really appreciate a rating or view if you like what I’m doing as it helps others discover the podcast.
If you’d like to support the podcast further, please consider buying me a coffee.
The podcast is sponsored by Pibe de Barrio, the on-the-ground football experts in Buenos Aires, helping you live the Argentine matchday experience.