The party held by hundreds of Argentine fans this Sunday (21), at Klyde Warren Park, downtown Dallas, will continue this Monday (22).
And not just because, for the second round of the group stage, but also because it is a special date for the Albiceleste.
It was on June 22nd, just like this Monday, .
The duel, of strong symbolic value for Argentines due to the context of the Falklands War, fought four years earlier between the two countries, .
Scorer of two goals against the English in , he scored the first with the “Mano de Dios”. The second, by dribbling past five British players, including goalkeeper Peter Shilton, .
After 40 years, the match continues to produce emotions in fans, both those who experienced the triumph against England and those who were not even born at the time.
“It’s a great feeling, considering what happened in previous years [ao jogo] between Argentina and England. Maradona’s goals are unforgettable. The one from Mano de Dios and the other goal… I don’t know if there will be another goal like that. Today we still remember all of this, even more so in a World Cup context”, says Rubén, 72 years old, retired, to CNN Brazil.
“The joy he (Maradona) gave to the Argentine people was as if the people themselves had won over the ‘other’. No weapons, nothing. As the song by Piojos (Argentine rock band) says”, says Martín, 39 years old, born a year after the duel for the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
World champion with Argentina in 1986, former midfielder Ricardo Bochini is in the United States following the national team and was present at this Sunday’s “banderazo” in Dallas.
Maradona’s teammate for four decades, the Independiente idol considers Diego’s performance in that World Cup to be unique in history.
“Playing a World Cup like Maradona’s in Mexico [em 1986] It’s very difficult to repeat. He was in his prime. He did everything he could have done. Goals, assists, everything. And even though he was beaten a lot”, Bochini reminds CNN Brazil.
This Monday, Argentina fans will be able to witness another great story being written on June 22nd.
With 16 goals, he could, against the Austrians, become the greatest scorer in World Cup history. And for this, as the song that became famous in the title won in Qatar says, he will once again count on divine support.
“And Diego / From heaven we can see him / With Don Diego and with La Tota / Rooting for Lionel.”
