I was 12 when the 1986 world cup was played so it was my first big experience of a world cup (I do recall some of 1982 and particularly the very echo-y commentary which sounded very exotic - like it came from outer-space - but I was too young to really comprehend what was going on). Being from England I was naturally an England fan but I didn't really like the England team in 1986. Even as a very young lad I was quite perceptive and thought that England team was quite rigid and dull. I loved Denmark from the group stages and wanted them to win even more than England. You're right that the defeat to Spain was a shock based on the group form. If you recall many pundits said that Denmark were naive in beating West Germany 2-0 in the final group game. This meant that they faced Spain (who had finished 2nd in their group), whilst West Germany faced the shock winners of England's group, Morocco - a talented but hugely inexperienced side at that level. That analysis sadly proved to be correct with West Germany coasting past Morocco on their way to the final and Denmark being put to the sword by Spain and in particular "The Vulture" (Butragueno).
Some great nicknames from that era. How about Enzo Francescoli of Uruguay - "The Prince". They were destroyed by Denmark in the group. There is a really good documentary of the 1986 world cup called Hero with a voiceover by Michael Caine. He does a piece on Francescoli vs Denmark with the classic line "Against Denmark a nightmare unfolds for The Prince". Ha ha ha! I love that. Great footie era that was. I'm not quite as much into football now as I was back then but I will have the England flag out of my window tomorrow for the game vs Croatia.
I like this England team a lot. Good attacking side and very easy on the eye.[/quote]
Thanks very much.
What comes to mind (I was 16 then, 4 years on you) the saying, "If I knew then what I know now".... mind you I was niaive until late 30's, believing in other folk too much.
RE: England... I love the midfield options; Mount, Rice, Grealish, Foden... & in particular this Bellingham lad - 17 years of age, what maturity, incredible.
But unfortunately, I'm unsure about them in centre-back position & England need a Dalglish up front, if Harry Kane is your Ian Rush.
Still, I wish them well. Good luck to your boys!
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Well done England, superb performance... willing you on for remainder.[/quote]
Scotland did well, pleased for them.