Diego Maradona’s brilliance in the 1986 FIFA World Cup is often encapsulated by his otherworldly goal against England in the quarterfinals. The "Goal of the Century," as it came to be known, stands as a symbol of footballing genius. Yet, in the cacophony of accolades for that goal, his second against Belgium in the semifinals remains criminally underappreciated—a dazzling, almost ethereal display of skill that deserves equal reverence.
The Context:
Redemption and Opportunity
Four years prior, at Camp Nou, Belgium had stunned
Argentina in the opening match of the 1982 World Cup. Maradona, then a rising
star, found himself ensnared in a forest of Belgian defenders, unable to weave
his magic. Fast forward to 1986, and the stakes were far higher: a semifinal at
the Azteca Stadium in Mexico, with over 115,000 spectators bearing
witness.
Belgium had earned their place with grit and flair, toppling
the Soviet Union and Spain, two of the tournament’s strongest teams. Argentina,
led by Maradona, had grown stronger with each match. By the time they faced
Belgium, Maradona was not merely a player—he was a force of nature, bending
matches to his will.
The First Goal: A
Glimpse of Genius
Six minutes into the second half, Jorge Burruchaga delivered
a pass of almost clairvoyant precision, and Maradona responded with a
left-footed clip over the advancing Jean-Marie Pfaff. It was a goal of elegant
simplicity, the kind that elevates football into art. Yet, it was merely a
prelude to the transcendent magic to come.
The Second Goal:
Bending Space and Time
If the goal against England showcased Maradona’s ability to exploit space, the second against Belgium was a masterpiece of ingenuity in a confined canvas. It began innocuously, with José Luis Cuciuffo controlling the ball and seeking Maradona. Positioned with his back to the goal, Maradona’s touch with his right foot—a rarity in itself—set the tone for what followed.
Within seconds, he had shifted to his left, and the Belgian
defence, a cohesive unit until then, began to unravel. Stéphane Demol and
George Grun, uncertain and hesitant, stepped forward but lacked conviction.
Maradona’s movements, like a master choreographer’s, orchestrated their
disarray.
As Maradona drifted right, Patrick Vervoort stood before
him—a sentinel guarding a fortress. But with two touches, Maradona dissolved
that resistance, pivoting to create a gap that moments earlier had seemed
impossible. The defenders, now spectators in their own tragedy, could only
watch as Maradona danced past them with balletic grace.
Eric Gerets, the captain, faced the ultimate indignity.
Twisted and turned until he lost his orientation, he lunged in desperation. By
then, it was too late. Maradona had already engineered his escape, sprinting
towards Pfaff.
The final act was clinical. With a ferocity that mirrored his
determination, Maradona struck the ball past Pfaff into the net. Seven touches,
six seconds, and one goal that epitomized the beauty of the game.
The Legacy: A Tale of
Two Goals
In Jonathan Wilson’s *Angels with Dirty Faces*, the goal is
described as one of "dazzling brilliance," while Maradona himself
humbly credited his teammates in *El Diego*. Yet the goal’s relative obscurity
in public memory reflects how narratives are shaped by context. Against
England, Maradona had scored for a nation seeking vindication after the
Falklands War. Against Belgium, he scored for football itself.
While the "Goal of the Century" carries undeniable
emotional weight, the Belgian goal is arguably more intricate—a symphony of
touches and feints in a claustrophobic space. It is the unsung aria in
Maradona’s magnum opus.
Conclusion: A
Timeless Duel
Maradona’s second goal against Belgium may forever live in
the shadow of his quarterfinal wonder, but to dismiss it as secondary is to
overlook one of the most sublime moments in football history. It was art and
science intertwined, a display of audacity, skill, and sheer brilliance.
As time marches on, football fans must ensure that this masterpiece is not merely remembered but celebrated alongside its more famous counterpart. Both goals stand as testaments to a player who transcended his era and redefined the game.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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