FIFA World Cup 1986 Group F

fifa world cup 1986 poster Morocco became the first African team to progress beyond the first round, topping the group, a strong indication of how strongly the game was developing on the continent. After beating England in their opening game, the Portuguese players went on strike and refused to train, the culmination of a complex set of disputes with the Portuguese Football Federation that became known as the Saltillo Affair. They were eliminated in their final game and flew home in disgrace.

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Morocco

Poland

Morocco 0 Poland 0

Estadio Universitario, Monterrey (19,900)
2 June 1986

The Atlas Lions held a decent Polish side to a goalless draw.

(Andrea Oldani)

Portugal

England

Portugal 1 England 0

Estadio Tecnológico, Monterrey (23,000)
3 June 1986

Portugal's goal came in the 75th minute: Diamantino ran unchallenged into England's penalty area on the right before sending a square pass behind the defenders for Carlos Manuel to score with the simplest of chances at the far post.

(dax6721)

England

Morocco

England 0 Morocco 0

Estadio Tecnológico, Monterrey (20,200)
6 June 1986

England were again disappointing and Morocco earned their second goalless draw. The English captain, Bryan Robson was injured in the game and played no further part in the competition while Ray Wilkins, was sent off and never selected for England again.

Poland

Portugal

Poland 1 Portugal 0

Estadio Universitario, Monterrey (19,915)
7 June 1986

With the players locked in a dispute with management, Portugal were far from their best. Włodzimierz Smolarek scored Poland's winner in the second half.

(dax6721)

England

Poland

England 3 Poland 0

Estadio Universitario, Monterrey (22,700)
11 June 1986

England's coach, Bobby Robson, was forced to reshape the team due to injuries and suspensions. Gary Lineker's hat-trick in the first half rescued England's faltering campaign and took them into the next round.

(Julio López)

Morocco

Portugal

Morocco 3 Portugal 1

Estadio Tres de Marzo, Guadalajara (28,000)
11 June 1986

The collapse in morale of the Portuguese should not detract from Morocco's achievement as they notched up a convincing win. Khairi scored twice in the first half and Krimau added another in the 62nd minute. Portugal's goal was scored by Diamantino ten minutes from the end.