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07/04 21:46 CDT England returns to Estadio Azteca but isn't seeking revenge
over Maradona in 1986
England returns to Estadio Azteca but isn't seeking revenge over Maradona in
1986
By CARLOS RODRIGUEZ
AP Sports Writer
MEXICO CITY (AP) --- England's last memory of a competitive match at Estadio
Azteca is not a pleasant one.
On June 22, 1986, during the quarterfinals of the World Cup, Argentina defeated
England 2-1 en route to lifting the trophy.
That match remains etched in the memory of soccer fans worldwide, defined by
the late Diego Maradona scoring two of the most famous --- and contrasting ---
goals in the history of the sport: the Hand of God and the Goal of the Century.
In the first one, Maradona punched a loose ball past an advancing Peter Shilton
with his left hand. Minutes later, the Argentina great controlled the ball in
his own half and danced past half the England team to score what some consider
to be the greatest World Cup goal in history.
"Everyone remembers that match; they are iconic goals --- well, there were two
iconic goals in this stadium," England coach Thomas Tuchel said Saturday, a day
before England was to meet Mexico in the Round of 16.
To commemorate Maradona's feats, the stadium's owners installed a plaque in one
of the tunnels leading to the pitch. Tourists from all over --- but especially
Argentines --- flock to take photos with it during regular tours of the venue
when it's not hosting the World Cup.
"It's something that still hurts; the wound is open, but we aren't here for
revenge," Tuchel said.
England faces a different foe in a different era
Tuchel, who is coaching England in the World Cup for the first time, downplayed
the historical baggage.
"It's the same stadium, but not the same opponent --- and even if it were,
looking for revenge wouldn't make sense," Tuchel said. "We are here to write a
new chapter."
Forty years after that heartbreaking match, the narrative has shifted. This
time, England's adversary isn't Argentina, but the host country.
Mexico will be backed by an raucous home crowd and will also look to take
advantage of Estadio Azteca's altitude --- more than 7,200 feet (2,200 meters)
above sea level.
"It will take a lot of courage to put out a top performance against Mexico. But
we have a brave team," Tuchel said. "We have an experienced team and at the
same time a young team who is ready to take these challenges."
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