The Round of
Sixteen
The most exciting game of the round was
Belgium’s 4 – 3 triumph over the USSR. -Inspired by
Vincenzo Scifo, the Belgians twice came from behind in
normal time. In the first half of extra time Belgium
finally took the lead and then scored what looked like
a killer third goal. A minute later Igor Belanov kept
the tie alive by completing his hat-trick later but
Belgium held on to win through to the quarter finals.
Another extraordinary game in this round was Spain’s 5-1
victory over Denmark. Denmark entered the tournament with a
reputation for exciting football. They won their group,
defeating West Germany, and many thought they had a good
chance of going a long way in the competition.
The first half was close with Denmark taking the lead
through a penalty and Butragueno equalising just before the
break. But in the second half Real Madrid pair of Michel
and four-goal hero Emilio Butragueno revealed the weakness
in the Danish defence.
The Quarter
Finals
The two most memorable games of the tournament came in the
Quarter Finals. The match between France and Brazil brought
together two of the greatest players of the era: Michel
Platini and Zico. Both teams were looking to compensate for
disappointment in 1982
The Brazilians dominated the game and when Zico came on as
a substitute in the 71st minute. When Brazil won a penalty
less than ten minutes later their fans called out his name.
Zico stepped forward – and missed!