Best World Cup of the post-Pele era

[Auriaprottu]

I'm sure this has been done before, but I'm wondering about a connection that may or may not exist (I'll post another thread when these results are in), and I'd like some input. I'd like voters to consider excitement and quality as the criteria for choosing. I'll vote later to preserve my vote's anonymity. Thanks in advance.

EDIT: Mods, if this thread belongs elsewhere, please move its twin along with it.

[comme]

For me it was 1990. I know most people won't agree, but it was my first WC and one in which England did extremely well. It was a major part of my love of football and every WC since has been something of a let-down.

[Mario]

'86 hands down!

[Bauser]

Originally posted by Mario
'86 hands down!
You must have loved 1982, Mario! ;)

[Mario]

Actually I did! I was only 7 but I enjoyed the tournament (ES' debacle aside) the QF and beyond were all thrillers!

[RichardL]

I'd vote 82. So many games with a story behind them.

In the opening stages
Poland 5 Peru 1 / Italy 1 Cameroon 1 - the tightest group exploding into life on it's final day, with Cameroon's players in tears at failing to go through (African teams had been hopeless up until then)

Algeria 2 West Germany 1 / West Germany 1 Austria 0 - a massive shock and a heavy hint of fixing as the Germans and Austrians conjured up a result which saw them both qualify.

Hungary 10 El Salvador 1 - and they still didn't qualify.

France 4 Kuwait 1 - with a pitch invasion by the Kuwait royal family delaying the game for about 20 minutes.

Spain 0 Northern Ireland 1. A huge shock as the hosts lose at home to unfancied Northern Ireland.

The Spain/England/W Germany second round group - like a 3-way game of chess, very tense.

The Italy/Argentina/Brazil second round group - possibly the best group series of all world cups, and in the deciding match Italy 3 Brazil 2, one of the best ever world cup matches.

W Germany 3 France 3 - one of the best, and certainly most controversial semi-finals ever.

[Excape Goat]

I voted 1998, but it should be 1986.....

1) Diego Maradona's 2nd goal against England
2) Maradona's 1st goal against England
2) Brazil-France
3) England-Argentina(the match itself.... Falkland War II)
4) Many darkhorse teams -- Denmark, Soviet Union, Belgium...
5) The Final: West Germany equalized.... after going 2 goals down.
6) Maradona's goal against Belgium.
7) Other great goals.... Josmar against North ireland, Soviet Union against belgium.

[Mario]

so you voted 98 although you recognize '86 was way better :confused: