I was lucky in that I started watching football in the 80s; and the first football match I watched was the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. Football was big even then; and the World Cup seemed to grasp everyone's attention. It was also the tournament that Maradona really illuminated; coming into his own and leading his country Argentina to glory. Way before the likes of Lionel Messi & Cristiano Ronaldo; Maradona really showed what it meant to single-handedly lead his team to glory.
That Argentina team was decent; with the likes of striker Jorge Valdano and midfielder Jorge Luis Burruchaga; but it was really the ability & charisma of Maradona that propelled the team to glory. The world will always remember the 'Hand Of God' goal against England in the quarter-finals; followed by perhaps the greatest goal ever scored in football history; when he slalomed his way unbelievably past the England defence to score the second.
In the semi-finals he again proved the winner; as he scored two brilliant solo goals past Belgium to propel his team into the final. And in the final; when things looked decidedly edgy after West Germany had come back from two goals down to level at 2-2; it was he again who produced the 'miraculous' pass for Burruchaga to score the winner.
In 1990; the Argentina team was again decidedly average; but it was him again who somehow almost single-handedly manage to take his team all the way to the final; finding his partner-in-crime Claudio Caniggia on a few occasions to bamboozle heavyweights Brazil & Italy amongst others.
And in 1994; Maradona was already well past his best but somehow made a miraculous appearance again for Argentina in the World Cup USA; giving his maniacal; crazy expression after scoring against Greece.
Along the way; we watched in awe as Maradona took a previously-average Napoli team to new heights; winning the Italian first division in 1987 & 1990; and forming a successful partnership with Brazilian striker Careca over there.
With his immense charisma; wondrous left foot and colourful life both on-and-off field; Maradona is truly a legend in every sense of the word.
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