World Cup Stories: Argentina-1

On the 22th of the June, 1986, in the Aztec Stadium, Mexico city. Argentina played England in the quarterfinals of the World Cup. Only 4 years earlier, the 2 countries were at war over the Falkland Islands. Minutes into the 2nd half this already highly charged match exploded with controversy¹ and drama.

First a moment of cunning and trickery from Diego Maradona revealed the black arts of Argentinian football. The hand of God goal satisfied a mood for revenge after the humiliation² of military defeat.

I ended up saying something not very professional. I was on the high with emotions as if the war were set off. I said what can I say, against the English we were even prepared to use a hand.

Then from Maradona, a goal of grace and beauty reflecting the other side of Argentinian football with sublime³ skill and passion.

That goal expresses the collective dream of all Argentineans. It is the goal every Argentinean would love to score.

This extraordinary goal refelected something more optimistic and self-confident in Argentina as the country recovered from a trauma⁴ of military dictatorship.

Maradona's goals of deceit and genius against England in the Aztec defined Argentinian football. They also guaranteed that after years of waiting Argentina was on its way to completing a decade of World Cup glory.

You could sense a feeling of relief, euphoria, but also sense that justice had been made.
This is the story of how against the backdrop of dictatorship, terror, war, and the reemergence of democracy, Argentina emerged from the darkness into the light to confirm its status as one of the great footballing nations of the world.

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quarterfinal: n. 四分之一决赛
cunning: n. 狡猾，诡诈
trickery: n. 欺骗
sublime: adj. 卓越的，极端的
humiliation: n. 羞辱，蒙羞
euphoria: n. 欣快
backdorp: n.背景

1 controversy   

n.争论，辩论，争吵

参考例句：

• That is a fact beyond controversy.那是一个无可争论的事实。
• We ran the risk of becoming the butt of every controversy.我们要冒使自己在所有的纷争中都成为众矢之的的风险。

2 humiliation   

n.羞辱

参考例句：

• He suffered the humiliation of being forced to ask for his cards.他蒙受了被迫要求辞职的羞辱。
• He will wish to revenge his humiliation in last Season's Final.他会为在上个季度的决赛中所受的耻辱而报复的。

3 sublime   

adj.崇高的，伟大的；极度的，不顾后果的

参考例句：

• We should take some time to enjoy the sublime beauty of nature.我们应该花些时间去欣赏大自然的壮丽景象。
• Olympic games play as an important arena to exhibit the sublime idea.奥运会，就是展示此崇高理念的重要舞台。

4 trauma   

n.外伤，精神创伤

参考例句：

• Counselling is helping him work through this trauma.心理辅导正帮助他面对痛苦。
• The phobia may have its root in a childhood trauma.恐惧症可能源于童年时期的创伤。