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"El Partido": The most human and complex look at Argentina-England '86 with its protagonists
🇦🇷 Argentina /Culture & Society

"El Partido": The most human and complex look at Argentina-England '86 with its protagonists

From La Nación · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • A documentary film titled "El Partido" explores the human and complex aspects of the 1986 Argentina-England match.
  • Directed by Juan Cabral and Santiago Franco, the film is based on Andrés Burgo's book of the same name.
  • It delves into geopolitical tensions, personal stories, and surprising interactions between the players.

Forty years after one of Argentina's most legendary football victories, a new documentary titled "El Partido" offers a deeply human and complex look at the 1986 World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and England. Directed by Juan Cabral and Santiago Franco, the film is based on the acclaimed book by journalist Andrés Burgo. It moves beyond the well-known epic narrative to explore the intimate details, contradictions, and the weight of the match's mythos.

Cabral, in an interview with LA NACION, shared insights into the challenging production. The film meticulously reconstructs the geopolitical and sporting tensions surrounding the game. It aims to dismantle the epic by presenting a nuanced script that keeps viewers captivated by a story they thought they knew completely. The documentary features surprising elements, such as bringing together Argentine and English protagonists, including goalkeeper Peter Shilton.

It seemed like a super inspiring planetary game.

— Juan CabralThe director describes his childhood perception of the World Cup, influenced by the backdrop of the Falklands War.

The film highlights unique moments, like having Jorge Valdano and Gary Lineker in the commentators' booth, and notes the surprising chivalry shown by the British players towards Maradona. Cabral also reveals behind-the-scenes details of a historic face-to-face meeting between the two squads. The documentary invites viewers to discover the more human, complex, and previously hidden side of the match that profoundly impacted many lives.

Cabral's personal connection to the event stems from his childhood memories of watching the World Cup with his grandmother and the lingering atmosphere of the Falklands War. He describes the World Cup as a "planetary game," a powerful contrast to the earlier sense of war. His experience living in London for a decade, where he was treated well and encountered fascination with Maradona, further shaped his perspective on the complex relationship between the two nations, ultimately inspiring this deep dive into the "El Partido."

They spoke of Maradona with fascination and admiration.

— Juan CabralCabral reflects on the reception of Maradona in England during his time living there, which informed his perspective on the documentary's subject.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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