1986 World Cup: Argentinians Without Chickens and a Fleeing Journalist from the Final. When Superstition Ruled

The 1986 World Cup in Mexico was not just a showcase of footballing brilliance, but also a period steeped in superstition for the victorious Argentinian team. This article from iDNES (CZ) delves into the peculiar beliefs and incidents that surrounded Argentina's path to glory, revealing a fascinating blend of athletic prowess and ritualistic behavior.

One of the most striking anecdotes involves the team's aversion to chickens. Despite being in Mexico, a country where chicken is a common dish, the Argentinian players reportedly refused to eat it, fearing it would bring them bad luck. This dietary restriction, driven by superstition, underscores the immense pressure and psychological intensity the team experienced during the tournament.

Beyond the dining table, the article recounts the dramatic escape of a journalist from the final match. The specifics of this escape are not detailed, but it adds another layer to the narrative of unusual events and anxieties that permeated the World Cup campaign. These stories, while perhaps seeming trivial now, were significant to the team and its followers at the time, reflecting a deep-seated belief in luck and fate influencing the outcome of such a high-stakes competition.