England returns to Azteca 40 years after Maradona's 'Hand of God' and 'Goal of the Century'

England returns to the iconic Azteca Stadium in Mexico City 40 years after a match etched in football history: the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina. That game, witnessed by 114,580 spectators and millions worldwide, remains a potent memory, defined by Diego Maradona's controversial "Hand of God" goal and his breathtaking "Goal of the Century." The match occurred just four years after the Falklands War and preceded Argentina's eventual triumph. For England, the Azteca represents an enduring nightmare. Now, facing an in-form Mexico in the current World Cup, the English team aims to advance to the quarterfinals, confronting a 40-year-old ghost. Legend has it that Maradona not only avenged the non-sporting drama of the "Hand of God" but also sealed the victory with a solo effort, weaving past five English defenders. Mexico, their current opponent, has won all its matches without conceding a goal. "Perhaps it's one of the most beautiful, most exciting matches one can have. We play against Mexico in the Azteca!" noted coach Thomas Tuchel, who finds adapting to Mexico City's 2,240-meter altitude "simply impossible." Tuchel's comments, made at age 12 during the 1986 match, predate the careers of current stars like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. However, the historical significance of the Azteca looms large. "It's an opportunity to cover a scar or leave it behind," commented sports commentator Antonio Rosique. He described England's return to the Azteca 40 years later as more than just a match, but a return to a memory, a place with unfinished business, and a stage haunted by specters. England's sole World Cup victory was on home soil in 1966. The 1986 match also saw intense rivalry between Argentine and English fans, with the latter, known as "hooligans," engaging in violent confrontations. Gary Lineker, England's top scorer in the 1986 tournament, had a condition for visiting the International Football Hall of Fame: "Yes, I'll go, but if you guarantee I can go back to the Azteca stadium. I haven't been for 40 years." He was granted access, wearing a construction helmet, and reportedly became emotional upon stepping onto the pitch again.

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Perhaps it's one of the most beautiful, of the most exciting matches one can have. We play against Mexico in the Azteca!