World Cup: 1986
The tournament opened
in Mexico City on 31 May 1986 after serious
problems in the run up. The opening game was a 1-1
draw between Bulgaria and Italy.
The biggest early surprise
was the terrible start England made to the competition.
They lost to Portugal in their first group game. Then
they struggled in heat of the Monterrey afternoon to
break down a determined Morocco defence.
Their problems increased when just before half time
midfielder Ray Wilkins was sent off ‘for throwing the
ball at the referee’.
England Survive
England looked close to going out of the tournament but
held on for 0-0 draw. A Gary Lineker hat-trick in the
last group game against Poland secured qualification
for the Second Round.
Surprisingly they were joined by Morocco rather than
Portugal. The Portuguese campaign was not helped when
their players went on strike - refusing to train
between their first and the second games.
One new record was set in the Group E game between
Uruguay and Scotland. José Batista of Uruguay was sent
off after less than a minute - the fastest red card in
the history of the World Cup.
1970 World Cup Factsheet *
World Cup History Quiz 1930 - 1962Have you read ‘The
Big Match’? Try a sample chapter & audio
here:
