Argentina's 1986 World Cup Squad: Where Are They Now?

by Jhon Lennon 54 views

The 1986 World Cup in Mexico holds a special place in football history, especially for Argentinian fans. It was the tournament where Diego Maradona cemented his legendary status, leading La Albiceleste to their second World Cup title. But what about the rest of that iconic squad? Let's dive into the Argentina 1986 World Cup squad and see what they've been up to since that glorious victory.

The Road to Glory: Argentina's Journey in 1986

Before we delve into the individual stories, it's worth remembering the context of Argentina's triumph. The team, coached by Carlos Bilardo, wasn't initially considered a favorite. They had a mix of experienced players and fresh faces. The squad's journey began with a group stage that saw them overcome South Korea and Bulgaria, before drawing with Italy. Then came the knockout stages, where Maradona truly shone.

The round of 16 clash against Uruguay was a tense affair, settled by a single goal. But it was the quarter-final against England that became legendary. Maradona's infamous "Hand of God" goal and his incredible solo effort that followed are etched in football folklore. The semi-final against Belgium saw Maradona score two more stunning goals, securing Argentina's place in the final. In the final against West Germany, Argentina prevailed 3-2 in a thrilling match.

The Stars of the Show: Key Players and Their Contributions

The Argentina 1986 World Cup squad wasn't just about Maradona, though. It was a team effort, with each player contributing to the ultimate success. Here are some of the key figures:

  • Diego Maradona: Need we say more? The captain and talisman, Maradona was at the peak of his powers in 1986. His goals, assists, and overall influence were instrumental in Argentina's victory. Post-playing career, Maradona had a stint as Argentina's coach and continued to be a global football icon until his death in 2020.
  • Jorge Valdano: A prolific striker, Valdano scored crucial goals throughout the tournament, including one in the final. After retiring, he became a successful coach and sporting director, working at clubs like Real Madrid.
  • Jorge Burruchaga: The man who scored the winning goal in the final! Burruchaga was a tireless midfielder who provided energy and creativity to the team. He later had a career as a coach in Argentina and other South American countries.
  • Nery Pumpido: The goalkeeper who provided a sense of security to the team. After retirement, he has also worked as a coach.
  • Oscar Ruggeri: A tough and uncompromising defender, Ruggeri was a key figure in Argentina's backline. He went on to have a successful career as a coach and television personality.

Where Are They Now? Life After the 1986 World Cup

So, what happened to the rest of the Argentina 1986 World Cup squad? Here's a glimpse into their lives after that unforgettable summer:

Goalkeepers

  • Nery Pumpido: After his playing career, Pumpido transitioned into coaching. He managed several clubs in South America and even had a brief spell as the manager of Saudi Arabian side Al-Taawoun.
  • Luis Islas: Islas had a long and successful career after 1986, playing for various clubs in Argentina and abroad. He also became a coach, working with goalkeepers at different levels.
  • Héctor Zelada: Zelada returned to Mexico after the World Cup and continued his career with Club América. After retirement, he stayed out of the limelight, focusing on personal pursuits.

Defenders

  • José Luis Brown: "Tata" Brown, who scored the opening goal in the final, had a relatively low-profile career after 1986. He later worked as a coach and sadly passed away in 2019.
  • Oscar Ruggeri: Ruggeri remained a prominent figure in Argentine football after 1986. He played for several top clubs and became a popular television personality.
  • Oscar Garré: Garré continued his playing career and later became a coach. He worked with youth teams and also had spells as a manager in Argentina.
  • Julio Olarticoechea: Olarticoechea, known for his versatility, continued to play football until the late 1990s. He later worked as a coach, focusing on youth development.
  • Ricardo Giusti: Giusti had a successful career with Independiente after the World Cup. He later became involved in football administration.
  • Daniel Passarella: Passarella, the captain of the 1978 World Cup-winning team, was part of the 1986 squad but didn't feature prominently. He went on to have a successful career as a coach, managing Argentina and other national teams.

Midfielders

  • Sergio Batista: Batista continued to play football after 1986 and later became a coach. He managed Argentina's Olympic team, leading them to a gold medal in 2008.
  • Héctor Enrique: Enrique, known for his role in setting up Maradona's second goal against England, had a modest career after 1986. He later worked as a coach.
  • Ricardo Bochini: Bochini, a legendary figure for Independiente, was a late addition to the squad. He didn't play much in the tournament but remained a revered figure in Argentine football.
  • Miguel Ángel Tapia: Tapia's career after the World Cup was relatively low-key. Information about his post-playing activities is scarce.

Forwards

  • Jorge Valdano: As mentioned earlier, Valdano transitioned into coaching and sporting direction after retiring.
  • Jorge Burruchaga: Burruchaga continued his career as a player and later became a coach.
  • Diego Maradona: Maradona remained a global icon until his death in 2020. He had a colorful and controversial life, but his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time is undeniable.
  • Pedro Pasculli: Pasculli had a decent career after the World Cup, playing in Italy and other countries. He later became a coach.

The Legacy of '86: More Than Just a Trophy

The Argentina 1986 World Cup squad achieved something truly special. They brought joy to a nation and created memories that will last forever. Their victory was a testament to teamwork, determination, and the brilliance of Diego Maradona. The legacy of the '86 team extends beyond the trophy. It's about the spirit of Argentine football, the passion of the fans, and the belief that anything is possible.

Even today, the members of that iconic squad are revered in Argentina. They are symbols of a golden era, a time when La Albiceleste conquered the world. Their story is a reminder that football is more than just a game; it's a source of national pride and a powerful force that can unite a country.

Conclusion: A Team Etched in History

The Argentina 1986 World Cup squad will forever be remembered as heroes. Their journey to glory was filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. While their lives have taken different paths since that summer in Mexico, they are all connected by their shared experience and their contribution to one of the greatest achievements in Argentine football history. Their names are etched in the annals of football, and their story continues to inspire generations of players and fans alike. So, the next time you hear about the 1986 World Cup, remember the entire squad, not just Maradona, and appreciate the collective effort that led to Argentina's triumph. Guys, it was truly a team effort for the ages!