Argentina's 1986 World Cup Winning Squad & Coach

The 1986 FIFA World Cup is etched in football history, especially for Argentinians. It was the tournament where Diego Maradona cemented his legendary status, leading Argentina to their second World Cup title. But beyond Maradona's brilliance, the triumph was a result of a well-constructed team and a shrewd coach. Let's dive into the details of the 1986 Argentina World Cup squad and the mastermind behind their success.

The Architect: Carlos Bilardo

Carlos Salvador Bilardo, El Narigón (The Big Nose), was the coach who orchestrated Argentina's victory in 1986. Bilardo was a controversial figure, known for his pragmatic and sometimes cynical approach to football. Before becoming a coach, he had a successful playing career as a midfielder, notably with Estudiantes de La Plata, where he also began his coaching career. He was appointed as the national team coach in 1982, and his tenure was marked by tactical experimentation and a relentless pursuit of results.

Bilardo's philosophy was rooted in result-oriented football. He believed in adapting his tactics to nullify the opponent's strengths while exploiting their weaknesses. He wasn't afraid to use unconventional methods, which often drew criticism, but his ultimate goal was always to win. He implemented a 3-5-2 formation, which was relatively uncommon at the time, designed to provide defensive solidity while maximizing Maradona's attacking influence. This system relied heavily on the wing-backs to provide width and the midfielders to control the game.

His relationship with Maradona was crucial. Bilardo recognized Maradona's genius and built the team around him. He gave Maradona the freedom to express himself on the field while ensuring the rest of the team provided the necessary support and protection. Bilardo's understanding of Maradona's capabilities and his ability to create a system that allowed him to thrive were key to Argentina's success. Bilardo's influence extended beyond tactics; he instilled a winning mentality in the team. He fostered a sense of camaraderie and belief, convincing the players that they could conquer the world. He was a master motivator, using psychology to get the best out of his players. Even after the World Cup win, Bilardo continued to manage the national team, leading them to another World Cup final in 1990, where they narrowly lost to West Germany. His legacy remains complex, but his achievement in 1986 is undeniable, solidifying his place as one of Argentina's greatest coaches. He understood that to win a World Cup you have to have a solid foundation that starts with a very good defense and transition midfielders, he knew that he had the best player in the world in Maradona so he made sure to build the team around him in order to have success.

The Squad: A Blend of Grit and Genius

While Maradona was the undisputed star, the Argentina 1986 World Cup squad was far from a one-man show. It was a team of dedicated and talented players who played their roles to perfection. Here's a look at the key members of the squad:

Goalkeepers:

• Nery Pumpido: The first-choice goalkeeper, Pumpido, provided a sense of security in the back. He was a reliable shot-stopper and a good presence in the penalty area. Although he wasn't the most flamboyant goalkeeper, he was consistent and dependable.
• Luis Islas: Islas was the backup goalkeeper. He was a capable understudy, ready to step in if needed. He was a respected member of the squad and provided valuable support to Pumpido.
• Héctor Zelada: Zelada was the third-choice goalkeeper. His role was primarily to provide training support and backup in case of emergencies. His contribution to the team was mainly off the field.

Defenders:

• José Luis Brown: Brown scored the opening goal in the final against West Germany. He was a solid and uncompromising defender, known for his aerial ability and strong tackling. He was a vital part of the defensive unit.
• Oscar Ruggeri: Ruggeri was another key defender, known for his toughness and leadership qualities. He was a commanding presence in the backline and a fierce competitor. He went on to have a long and successful career.
• José Luis Cuciuffo: Cuciuffo was a versatile defender who could play in multiple positions. He was a reliable and hardworking player who always put the team first. He provided valuable cover and support.
• Julio Olarticoechea: Olarticoechea was the left-back, known for his tireless running and defensive work rate. He was a key player in Bilardo's system, providing width and defensive cover on the left flank.
• Ricardo Giusti: Giusti was a right-back that had great ability to go forward and help the team, he was very talented and had great vision of the field.
• Daniel Passarella: Passarella was the captain of the 1978 World Cup-winning team, but he was controversially left out of the starting lineup in 1986 due to a dispute with Bilardo and illness. Although he was part of the squad, his influence was limited.

Midfielders:

• Ricardo Bochini: Bochini was a legendary playmaker, known for his dribbling skills and creativity. Although he didn't play a major role in the tournament, his presence in the squad was a testament to his talent.
• Héctor Enrique: Enrique was a hardworking midfielder, known for his tackling and defensive work rate. He was a key player in breaking up opposition attacks and protecting the defense.
• Jorge Burruchaga: Burruchaga scored the winning goal in the final against West Germany. He was a versatile midfielder, capable of playing in multiple positions. He was known for his speed, dribbling, and finishing ability. He was a crucial player in the team's attacking play.
• Sergio Batista: Batista was a defensive midfielder, known for his tackling and ball-winning abilities. He was a key player in shielding the defense and breaking up opposition attacks.
• Diego Maradona: The maestro, Maradona was the heart and soul of the team. His dribbling skills, vision, and goal-scoring ability were unmatched. He was the driving force behind Argentina's success, scoring crucial goals and creating countless opportunities for his teammates. He won the golden ball award for best player in the tournament.

Forwards:

• Jorge Valdano: Valdano was a tall and skillful forward, known for his heading ability and finishing. He scored several important goals in the tournament, including one in the final. He provided a valuable aerial threat and a focal point in attack.
• Pedro Pasculli: Pasculli was a backup striker, known for his speed and work rate. He provided valuable energy and enthusiasm off the bench.
• Claudio Borghi: Borghi was a talented forward, known for his dribbling skills and creativity. He provided a spark off the bench.

The Legacy

The 1986 Argentina World Cup victory remains a source of immense pride for Argentinians. It was a triumph achieved through a combination of tactical brilliance, individual genius, and team spirit. Carlos Bilardo's tactical acumen and Diego Maradona's extraordinary talent combined to create a team that conquered the world. The 1986 Argentina World Cup squad is remembered as a team of warriors, led by a legend, who brought joy and glory to their nation. They showed that with belief, determination, and a little bit of magic, anything is possible.

The coach and the squad will always be remembered because they were the last Argentinian team to lift the trophy in a world cup, something that all argentinians want to see again in the future, and with Messi they were very close to do so in 2014 when they lost in the final against Germany.