Matt Oldfield - Maradona (Classic Football Heroes--Limited International Edition)

Mexico 29 June 1986

Diego fixed the captains armband on his sleeve and focused on glory. This had been his dream for as long as he could remember to win the World Cup Final for his country, Argentina. In football, it didnt get any bigger or better than that.

How are you feeling? the manager Carlos Bilardo asked him in the dressing room. He was relying on his superstar, today more than ever.

Ready, Diego replied with a confident smile.

No-one had ever doubted the talent in the Argentina team. After all, they had Diego wearing the Number 10 shirt, the best and most expensive player in the world. Instead, it was the winning attitude that seemed to be missing.

Could they really go all the way and win it, just like they had at home in Argentina in 1978?

Or, with the pressure on, would they fall apart, just like they had in Spain in 1982?

That was the big question when the 1986 tournament began, and boy were Argentina answering it! South Korea, Bulgaria, Uruguay, England and Belgium they had beaten them all. Under Diegos leadership, Argentina had been transformed from a squad of fighting misfits into a team with togetherness, strength and spirit.

Diego was in the best form of his life, but he couldnt win the World Cup on his own. Oscar Ruggeri and Jos Luis Cuciuffo in defence, Hctor Enrique and Jorge Burruchaga in midfield, Jorge Valdano in attack they were all playing an important part in Argentinas success.

Six down, one to go! Diego kept reminding them of their tally of victories as the final drew near. Come on, guys, were so nearly there!

The last team in their way was West Germany. Diego wasnt at all surprised to be facing them in the final; when it came to big tournaments, they always found a way to win.

Not today, though, he told his teammates before kick-off. This is our day, our World Cup!

In the tunnel, the Argentina players shouted and beat their chests like a band of gorillas. Other teams had been frightened by this, but not West Germany. Their players werent scared of anything. Diego and co would have to beat them with their footballing skill instead.

As the two teams walked out onto the pitch in Mexico City, the 115,000 fans roared and waved their respective teams national flags: black, red and yellow for West Germany, and light blue and white for Argentina. Diego looked up at the rows and rows of blurred faces above. There were so many people waiting, hoping, expecting. He couldnt let his nation down, and he wouldnt. It was his duty to bring the World Cup home.

Lets do this! Diego clapped and cheered, looking along the line at his teammates.

When the game started, it soon became clear that West Germanys Lothar Matthus was man-marking Diego, Argentinas danger man. Italys Claudio Gentile had successfully stopped him back in 1982, but Diego was now older and wiser. Could he get the better of Matthus when it mattered most? It wouldnt be easy. The German wasnt just a tough defender; he was also skilful and smart.

Youre not going anywhere, Matthus told him with an evil grin.

Well see about that! Diego replied. He was desperate to grab another goal. What a tournament he was having. Hed scored two against England in the quarter-final the Hand of God and the Goal of the Century and then two against Belgium in the semi-final. A goal in the final would be the icing on the cake. It would prove once and for all that 1986 had been Diegos World Cup.

More importantly, however, he was desperate to win the final. When Jos Luis Brown and Jorge Valdano put Argentina 20 up, Diego was just as excited as everyone else. He didnt need to be the national hero every time.

Keep going! Diego urged his teammates. Remember, West Germany never give up.

He was right. First, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge tapped one in. 21! Then, Rudi Vller headed home. 22!

Uh-oh, Diego thought to himself. For the first time all tournament, he was scared. What if West Germany scored again and stole the World Cup away from them? Argentina needed to dig deep and find a winner from somewhere.

Come on, theyre tired! Diego shouted. Lets finish them off before extra time!

In the centre-circle, he had six West Germany players around him, but he didnt panic. Somehow, when he was on the ball, time seemed to stand still. In a flash, he spotted a gap and he spotted Jorge Burruchagas run. Diego hit the pass first-time and Burru sprinted into the penalty area and scored. 32 to Argentina!

Yes, you did it! Diego screamed with delight.

No, we did it! Burru corrected his incredible captain.

Argentina still had six minutes to hold on. Bilardo barked out frantic instructions on the touchline. No messing around! Mark up!

Diego only knew one way to defend attack. He linked up with the two Jorges one last time and stormed through the German defence. In the box, the keeper brought him down.

Penalty! Diego cried out, but the referee gave an earlier free kick instead. Argentina didnt mind they were now seconds away from glory.

As West Germany launched one final ball upfield, Diego kept looking over at the referee, waiting for that whistle.

Hurry up! he muttered impatiently.

Finally, the referee raised his arms and blew. In that moment, Diego went crazy. He ran around, hugging everybody. We did it! We did it! he shouted over and over again.

The Argentina fans invaded the pitch and soon Diego was at the centre of a big, chanting crowd.

Mar-a-Don-a! Mar-a-Don-a!

Vamos Vamos Argentina!

As he watched and listened to his nations joy, Diego burst into tears. Winning the World Cup was the greatest achievement of his life. He was so proud of his team.

Come on, lets go get our trophy! Diego told them.

As he held the World Cup for the first time, his hands were shaking. He looked at it lovingly and then lifted it high. He kissed it passionately, and then lifted it high again. He didnt want to let go.

Hey, dont be greedy! Jorge Valdano teased. Share it around!

The Argentina players had achieved their wildest dream. They were returning home as world champions.

Back down on the pitch, the crowd carried Diego on their shoulders for a lap of honour. There was no feeling like it love, pride and joy all merged into one. He felt like a king, the King of Football and the King of Argentina.

Chitoro and Totas son hadnt just become a star; Diego had become his countrys greatest star. He would go down in history. From the dirt tracks of Villa Fiorito, Diego was now Argentinas World Cup hero.