England legend Peter Reid believes the Three Lions can defeat Argentina in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, finally laying to rest the ghosts of the infamous 1986 'Hand of God' quarterfinal. Reid, now 70, famously attempted to chase down Diego Maradona before he scored the second goal at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, a goal later dubbed the 'Goal of the Century'.
Reid's Confidence in England's Chances
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Reid expressed his belief that England will triumph. 'Do I think we have enough? I think we will beat them,' he said. 'We have not been great but we are finding a way. With Kane and Bellingham, you always have a chance. I know they have Messi, but I still think we will beat them.'
Reid highlighted the influence of manager Thomas Tuchel and assistant Anthony Barry, whom he knows well. 'With Tuchel and Anthony Barry, and I know him very well, I think we will have enough to combat Messi. Look at the four teams in the semis; they are all quality sides. From the outside looking in, and knowing a little about it, England have a good spirit. Thomas Tuchel seems to get his substitutions right, I honestly believe they will beat them.'
Recalling the 1986 Quarterfinal
Reid reflected on the political tension surrounding the 1986 match, played four years after the Falklands War. 'I have played in big games all over the world, but for political reasons that 1986 quarterfinal was unbelievable.' He also weighed in on the debate over the greatest player of all time, mentioning Dixie Dean, Tom Finney, Sir Stanley Matthews, Duncan Edwards, Lionel Messi, Alfredo Di Stefano, George Best, and Denis Law. 'It is so difficult to say. I think Diego was absolutely outstanding, but it is impossible to say who was the best in the world.'
Changes in Modern Football
Reid noted how the game has evolved, particularly with the advent of VAR and social media. 'Now you have every game shown and analysed on social media; nowadays there is no physical contact in my opinion. They are great athletes, but they do not have to face what the players did in my day. Howard Kendall used to tell me, 'Get into them early doors, get an early tackle in.' I used to say 'Gaffer, you say that every f***king week.' How would Messi deal with that now? With VAR, they have sanitised the game. I still love it, I still go, still watch it, and I am still passionate about it.'
Predictions for the Semifinals and Final
Reid also predicted that France will beat Spain in the other semifinal. 'I think France will beat Spain, and I am not sure if we will beat France in the final, but Kane and Bellingham are not bad - with them, we always have a chance. Bellingham's first goal against Norway was brilliant, his first touch was great. So we have a great chance of doing it.' He added, 'I would love them to do it. I think France will go through against Spain. And they will take some beating in the final.'
The Hand of God and Its Legacy
The 1986 match is forever remembered for Maradona's two goals: the first, a handball that he later quipped was 'a little with the head of Maradona, a little with the hand of God,' and the second, a stunning 60-yard dribble past five England players and goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser, who officiated the match, sold the match ball for £2 million four years ago. England had pulled one back through Gary Lineker in the 81st minute, but Argentina held on to win 2-1 and went on to win the tournament.
Bin Nasser later said of the controversial first goal: 'I couldn't see the incident clearly, Shilton and Maradona were facing me from behind. As per FIFA instructions, I looked to my linesman for confirmation of the validity of the goal. He made his way back to the halfway line indicating he was satisfied that the goal should stand. At the end of the match the England head coach Bobby Robson said to me: 'You did a good job but the linesman was irresponsible.''
