Oscar Ruggeri: "Argentina will beat England and send them packing"
June , 2002
Former Argentinian defender and captain, Oscar Ruggeri, a FIFA World Cup™ winner in Mexico 1986 and one of their most charismatic players, reminisces on one of the most memorable football matches of the last 20 years: Argentina-England. A coach and TV commentator these days, Ruggeri talks exclusively to Fifaworldcup.com about that unforgettable game in 1986 and looks forward to this Friday's encounter. Is Argentina-England a classic in world football? What makes it so special? What do you remember of that game against England in Mexico 86? Were there any bad tackles in the game? Diego Maradona scored two unforgettable goals that day. The first was the famous "Hand of God" goal and the second was voted the best goal ever scored in a FIFA World Cup finals match. What do you remember about them? What did the players say about the famous "Hand of God" goal? What will be different about the tie this time round? If you were still playing, which England forward would you like to mark? Can you see Argentina repeating their 1986 triumph? Samuel or Ayala? Who is going to take over your role? What are England's strong points and where are their weaknesses? What has impressed you most so far in this tournament? What about a prediction for the Argentina- England game?
FIFAworldcup.com
Of course it is. It is very special, quite different from the rest....
It all started with the Falklands War in 1982. Since then every time we have to face England in a world championship or in a football match it becomes another battle. We played them in Mexico 86 and also in France 98. As if that were not enough fate has brought us face to face with them once again. On the park we have always done well against England. We always want to beat them but this time it is even
more important because if we do so on Friday they will practically be on their way home.
I remember the whole game from beginning to end. When you win a game as important as that one it goes straight into the memory bank. It becomes part of your life. You never forget it.
Not at all. On corners there was a lot of pushing and shoving and the odd bit of shirt pulling but that is part of the game. Both teams knew it was a very important game, but no more. We knew it wasn't a war.
When he scored the first goal we didn't realise how he had done it. We didn't really see it. But the second one proved without a doubt that he was the best player in the world.
We weren't too sure because the English players all went running after the referee claiming hand ball. It was all quite confusing. We asked Diego what had happened and just as he did after the match he insisted that he had headed the ball. He was lying! (Ruggeri laughs). Fortunately when we saw the video of the game we got a good camera angle on the incident and we could see for ourselves just what had happened.
Obviously the big difference is that Maradona will not be playing. He was the key to our success that day. We have some good players in the side today but none of them are in the same class as Diego. That is the main difference because everything else will be the same and there will be a full house as always. That is why it is a classic. Otherwise we wouldn't be talking about it.
Well, in 1986 I had to mark Gary Lineker and he was in great form at the time but I think that Michael Owen is the best English player at the moment.
Yes, I feel that everything is just right. We are in good form and the players have enough experience. They have all played at the highest level before and have a lot of competitive matches under their belt. But there is another important factor. If Batistuta doesn't play, there is Crespo; if Ortega is missing, we have Aimar; if Ayala is out, Placente can step in and if Simeone gets injured we have Almeyda. We have so many options. There are two players for every position and either of them can do the business. That is our great strength. There is also a great team spirit. For example if Crespo is left on the bench he is not going to get down. He will be ready if called on.
I would like to see them both playing. I am worried about Ayala's injury because he is very good in the air. But I am happy with either of them because both have the right attitude. They go out to win every game.
They are very fast going forward but they are a bit slow at the back, especially in the middle where they made a few mistakes against Sweden.
Tactically, things are much the same as ever. There is nothing new in that department. I was impressed with Spain. I need to see Germany against better opposition. If they play as well as they did against Saudi Arabia they will be one to watch. Not everyone scores 8 goals in a World Cup match. They looked very sharp and of course they always do well in the World Cup. Let's not forget that. As for players, Raul was very impressive against Slovenia doing just what he does so well for Real Madrid.
Argentina will win and send the English packing.