FIFA World Cup
Having looked at the early editions the last time out, we turn our focus to the 1986 tournament in Mexico when Iraq made their first appearance at the FIFA World Cup and Korea Republic returned 32 years after making their debut in 1954.
Radhi on target for debutants Iraq
With the AFC Asian Qualifiers for 1986 split into two zones, the West qualifiers went to the wire between two nations looking to make their FIFA World Cup debut and, in the end, it was Iraq who triumphed at the expense of Syria to book their place amongst the world’s football elites.
With the AFC Asian Qualifiers for 1986 split into two zones, the West qualifiers went to the wire between two nations looking to make their FIFA World Cup debut and, in the end, it was Iraq who triumphed at the expense of Syria to book their place amongst the world’s football elites.
The Lions of Mesopotamia were pitted against hosts Mexico, UEFA Euro 1980 runners-up Belgium as well as Paraguay against whom the Iraqis started their journey. A fiercely contested affair in Toluca saw Brazilian coach Evaristo’s men succumb to a Julio Romero goal late in the first half but there was plenty of positives for them to take from their FIFA World Cup debut.
Enzo Scifo of Belgium started his march to being named the tournament’s best young player with a stunning strike past Raad Hammoudi at the quarter-hour mark of the Iraqis’ second game. The 20-year-old caused Iraq even more trouble a few minutes later, drawing a penalty from Ghanim Oraibi that was converted by Nico Claesen as the first half ended 2-0.
The most memorable moment of Iraq’s FIFA World Cup history arrived on the stroke of the hour when Natiq Hashim’s poked pass was collected by the talismanic Ahmed Radhi before the forward hammered it into the bottom corner from the edge of the box for his nation’s first FIFA World Cup goal. Many years later, the late star would reveal the 8,000 ft altitude of Toluca meant he was too breathless to even run by that point, explaining his muted raised-hand celebration.
Another close match ended in a 1-0 defeat to the tournament hosts in front of more than 100,000 spectators at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca and Iraq bowed out bottom of the group but having proven to be a difficult opponent to face in each of their three matches.
Korea Republic secure first point
It had been 32 years since Korea Republic made their maiden appearance at the FIFA World Cup in 1954 but, boasting the legendary Cha Bum-kun within their ranks, the Taeguk Warriors returned at the 1986 edition in Mexico after overcoming East Asian rivals Japan in the final round of the qualifiers.
It had been 32 years since Korea Republic made their maiden appearance at the FIFA World Cup in 1954 but, boasting the legendary Cha Bum-kun within their ranks, the Taeguk Warriors returned at the 1986 edition in Mexico after overcoming East Asian rivals Japan in the final round of the qualifiers.
And Kim Jung-nam’s side could not have been drawn in a tougher group as the Koreans were paired with defending champions and three-time winners Italy, the 1978 champions Argentina and Bulgaria.
First up in Mexico City’s Estadio Olimpico Universitario was an Argentina side featuring the world’s best player, Diego Maradona. And the Argentine captain created all three of his side’s goals with a brace from Jorge Valdano and a strike from Oscar Ruggeri putting the South Americans 3-0 up by the 46th minute.
But there was to be a moment of history for Korea Republic when Park Chang-sun fired home a fantastic consolation from distance with what was their first-ever FIFA World Cup goal as the game ended 3-1. Argentina would go on to be crowned world champions, with Maradona winning the Golden Ball.
Back at the same venue three days later and the Koreans achieved another milestone when, after falling a goal behind early on against Bulgaria, Kim Jong-boo levelled with 20 minutes to play to secure a first-ever FIFA World Cup point for the East Asians.
Korea Republic still had a chance of qualifying ahead of their final group game against the Italians in Puebla and they put up a brave fight. One down at the interval, Choi Soon-ho equalised with a blistering effort from the edge of the area; however, Alessandro Altobelli’s second of the game and a Cho Kwang-rae own goal appeared to put the result beyond doubt.
There was still time for Huh Jung-moo to pull one back and ensure a nervy finish for Italy, but ultimately the holders held on to advance while Korea Republic exited, with heads held high, after a campaign that had delivered a number of memorable performances and moments.
Photo: FIFA
Photo: FIFA
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