The 1986 World Cup Final between Argentina and West Germany, played on 29 June 1986 at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico, is remembered as one of the most exciting and dramatic in the history of football. With two top-class teams and stars such as Diego Maradona leading Argentina, the match was a true clash of the titans. The German team, coached by Kaiser Beckenbauer and with Rummenigge as captain, fought with all their might to win the title that had eluded them in the Spain 82 final against the Italians. Both teams showed courage and skill, offering a high-tension spectacle full of unforgettable moments. This duel defined not only the world champion, but also a golden era for Argentine football.

Maradona and Rummenigge - Mexico 86 World Cup - Final Match

First Half: Argentinian Dominance

Argentina started the match taking the initiative, showing their attacking and creative style, with Diego Maradona as the team's driver. After 23 minutes, Argentina took the lead with a goal by José Luis Brown, who scored a header from a free kick by Jorge Burruchaga. The German defence failed to clear, and Brown took advantage to open the scoring. Tata Brown, as he is known, had been assigned to play as a substitute for Passarella who had gastrointestinal problems. Carlos Bilardo, the coach, trusted him because he had previously been his manager at Estudiantes de La Plata. He made no mistake.

Jose Luis Brown - Mexico 86 World Cup - Final Match

Brown had a great World Cup. His grit led him to play much of the game with a shoulder injury. After dislocating his arm, he made a kind of sling out of his shirt to continue playing, showing enormous commitment. His goal remained one of the most memorable images of the 1986 World Cup.

Jose Luis Brown's jersey - Mexico 86 World Cup - Final Match

Second Half: The Lead Increases

In the 55th minute, Argentina extended their lead. In a quick counter-attack, Jorge Valdano, after a long gallop on the left flank, received a pass from Hector Enrique and confidently shot past German goalkeeper Harald Schumacher, putting the game 2-0 in Argentina's favour. At that moment, it seemed that Argentina's victory was assured.

Jorge Valdano - Mexico 86 World Cup - Final Match

The incredible German reaction

However, West Germany reacted. Relying on the key figure of Lothar Matthäus, who was in charge of marking Diego Maradona, and supported by the power of their aerial play, the Germans began to press. In the 74th minute, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge pulled one back for Germany, making it 2-1 from a corner kick.

The German pressure continued, and just 7 minutes later (81st minute), Rudi Völler equalised, also from a corner. Suddenly, the score was 2-2, and the match became very tense, with Germany pushing to try to take it to extra time.

The Victory Goal

But Argentina did not crumble. Just three minutes after the equaliser, in the 84th minute, Diego Maradona came up with a masterful pass from midfield that left Jorge Burruchaga running towards the German goal. Burruchaga ran alone towards the goal and scored perfectly to make it 3-2, unleashing Argentina's joy. With this goal Burruchaga gave Argentina the title. His speed and finishing ability were key to the victory.

Jorge Burruchaga - Mexico 86 World Cup - Final Match

The match ended 3-2 in favour of Argentina, and the players celebrated a historic victory. Diego Maradona, although he did not score in the final, was the star of the tournament and the driving force of the team. Argentina became world champions for the second time (the first was in 1978).

Argentina's 1986 World Cup triumph was the result of a perfect combination of talent, strategy and determination. Under the guidance of Carlos Bilardo and with Diego Maradona as its star player, the Argentine team showed a high level of football and character. Every player, from the stars to the lesser-known, played their part in an unforgettable campaign. The 3-2 victory in the final against West Germany not only sealed Argentina's second World Cup title, but cemented Maradona as a football legend and left an indelible mark on the history of the sport.

Argentina's 1986 World Cup jersey has become a football icon. With its classic white and light blue vertical striped design, it is remembered not only for its simple beauty, but also for the fact that it was the uniform in which Diego Maradona and the Argentine national team won their second World Cup title.