The world champions brought their new star, Diego Maradona to the tournament for the first time along with Mario Kempes and Osvaldo Ardiles, who had excelled in 1978. Hungary were by now well past their best but recorded a huge win against El Salvador.
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1982 Index | Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 | Group 4 | Group 5 | Group 6 | Second Round | Knock Out Stage
Belgium
Argentina
The opening match was held in Barcelona and a huge crowd turned out to see their club's new signing, the Argentinian star, Diego Maradona. The match did not live up to expectations and Belgium finished as winners, a result that would eventually see them through to the next round.
Hungary
El Salvador
The Hungarians ran riot against the Central American team.
(Franc Forjan)
Argentina
Hungary
Two goals in each half were enough for the world champions to ease their way past Hungary. Maradona scored twice.
(Franc Forjan)
Belgium
El Salvador
A narrow win for Belgium against an improved El Salvador side kept Belgium in contention for a place in the next round.
Belgium
Hungary
Thanks to their ten goals against El Salvador, Hungary would have qualified on goal difference had they won this match. Varga put them ahead in the first half but a goal 15 minutes from the end by Czerniatynski ensured that Belgium would go through.
(Franc Forjan)
Argentina
El Salvador
As expected, Argentina secured a place in the second round.