Maradona Captains Argentina in 1990 World Cup

Maradona captained Argentina in the 1990 World Cup held in Italy, leading the team to the final despite facing challenges due to an ankle injury that limited his performance compared to previous tournaments. Argentina's journey began with a difficult group stage, where they narrowly qualified for the knockout rounds by finishing in third place. The team showed resilience as they advanced past Brazil in the round of 16, with Maradona playing a pivotal role in that match. In the quarter-finals, Argentina faced Yugoslavia, and once again, Maradona's contributions were crucial in securing their progression to the semi-finals. In the semi-final match against the host nation, Italy, Maradona scored during the penalty shootout, which allowed Argentina to reach the final. The final match saw Argentina pitted against West Germany, where they ultimately lost 1-0. The match was marked by controversy, particularly surrounding a penalty awarded to West Germany, which Maradona publicly criticized, attributing the loss to the referee's decision. This World Cup was significant for Maradona as it showcased his leadership and skill, even as he battled through injury. The tournament highlighted the challenges faced by the Argentine team and the impact of Maradona's presence, both on and off the field, as they sought to reclaim their status as world champions.