1982 and beyond-alternate history of FIFA World Cups

[Jan Olbracht]

Shock in Vigo

Estadio Municipal de Balaídos, Vigo, Spain
23 June 1982

Squadra Azzurra goes home.

Dying Minutes of last match of Group 1. Roger Mila scored his first goal at World Cup Tournament. Despite desperate attempts Italy failed to equalize the score. After final whistle sensation became fact, African debutants defeated fourth team of previous World Cup and as runner-ups of Group 1 advanced to second round, becoming first African team to achieve such success.

In second round Cameroon faced even more demanding opponents-defending champion Argentina and three time World Cup winner Brazil, but veryfact, that African team would play in that stage was unexpected success.

Standings of Group 1.

 

[Jan Olbracht]

Cameroon was less successful during second round, facing two South American giants. Cameroonians hold 0-0 draw with defending champion Argentina until 80 minute, but then lost 3 goals within just 9 minutes. Against Brazil Cameroon conceded goal early, and while African team was able to equalize, two further goals scored by Brazilians definitely ended Cameroon's hopes to advance to knock-out stage. Goal scored against Brazil by Abega meant, that Brazil had to win last match against Argentina, as Argentinians had better goal difference. Brazil was on good way to achieve that goal, taking 2-0 lead by 51 minute, but Argentinian team, despite being badly outmatched, managed to equalize, making use of two mistakes of Brazilian defense. Draw meant, that Argentina as winner of Group C advanced to Semi-Final to face Poland, winner of Group A.

Results of Group C:

 

[Jan Olbracht]

4 group winners of second phase of the tournament, which advanced to knock-out stage, were Poland, West Germany, Argentina and France.

Poland, winner of group C, was considered as one of top football powers since 1974 World Cup, when Golden Generation of Polish players reached third place, losing only one match against host nation, infamous Match on the Water. But Poles' moods just before 1982 World Cup were not particulary good. Poland faced economical crisis and political turmoil, which affected also national football team. Near end of eliminations to Spanish tournament in aftermath of protests following Okęcie Airport affair, team's manager Ryszard Kulesza was fired and few key players-Zbigniew Boniek, Władysław Żmuda, Józef Młynarczyk, Stanisław Terlecki and Włodzimierz Smolarek, were suspended by Polish Football Federation. Most of them had their suspensions lifted eventually, thanks to intervention of new coach Antoni Piechniczek, but Terlecki, known for his anti-Communist stance, never played for Poland again.

Poland, drawn into Group 1 with Italy, Cameroon and Peru, started tournament with two draws. Before last match with Peru players and members of staff expected, that for Poland World Cup is over. Staff members packed their stuff and were prepared to leave, some of them bought tropical fruits (not available in Poland at the time) to bring them home, but Piechniczek managed to motivate his players to give their best in last match. Poland defeated Peru 5-1 and advanced to second round, also successful-Poland defeated Belgium 3-0 after Boniek's hat-trick and then drew with Soviet Union, eliminating Soviet team thanks to better goal difference. Poland's matches happened to be problematic for censorship-transmissions were delayed and TV in Poland showed Spanish or Brazilian fans at stadiums instead of Polish ones (as the latter often were waving Solidarność flags).

'Victorious' draw wasn't without costs-Boniek received second yellow card and could not play in semi-final match. There was player, who could take his place-Andrzej Szarmach, one of stars of 1974 World Cup, who score 5 goals on that tournament (including goal against Argentina, which Poland would face in Semi-final match at Camp Nou), top scorer of French Ligue A. Problem was Szarmach was conflicted with coach Piechniczek, who didn't want to let him play even in such dire situation, but after rethinking various options Piechniczek, after long hestitation, decided to give Szarmach one more chance... [1]

Andrzej Szarmach (first from the left) at 1974 World Cup .



[1] IOTL Piechniczek didn't let Szarmach play until third-place play-off. Szarmach scored goal in that match and ended his international carrier after tournament, due to his sour relations with coach. ITTL things would go a bit better for Szarmach, and for Polish national team too...

 

[Jan Olbracht]

Semi-final match between Poland and Argentina wasn't particulary good, both sides played below their capabilities, especially Poland, which conceaded goal in 22 minute and remained one goal down for most of the match. Situation changed 20 minute before end of match, with Szarmach, man, who could score out of nothing, equalized with header after receiving long pass from Kupcewicz. Just 3 minutes later Szarmach scored second goal, which was not only most important but also one of most beautiful in his career. Szarmach's goals revived Polish team after long period of dull performance. With no more goals scored in that match, Poland advanced to the final, surprassing achievement of 1974 team, that won bronze medal in Germany. And despite fact, that Boniek would return for final match after suspension, it would be hard for coach Piechniczek to not let Szarmach play after his goals gave Poland advance.

Semi-final, World Cup 1982

 

[Jan Olbracht]

Second semi final match, featuring France and West Germany, was rich in goals and dramaturgy. After 1 - 1 draw in regulation time extra time was needed to decide, who'd face Poland in final. France started extra time better, taking 3- 1 lead thanks to goals of Trésor and Battiston [1], but the same player, who scored third goal for France also allowed West Germany to come back, as for his handball German team was given penalty, converted by Breitner, and Germans eventually equalized thanks to Rummenigge's goal. Penalty shoot-out that followed was won 5-4 by West Germany.

[1] As you may noticed-Schumacher's raid does not happen in this match.

 

[Jan Olbracht]

Argentina failed to defend title won 4 years earlier, but managed to defeat France, demoralised and tried after narrow loss in two hour long battle against West Germany. Diego Maradona, who scored two goals in that match, found consolation in the fact, that with 6 goals scored he became best scorer of the tournament.

 

[Jan Olbracht]

Poland and West Germany faced each other at World Cup third time in row. Previous matches ended in German victory in 1974 and draw in 1978.

Poland never defeated West German team before, and it seemed that fact would not change on 11 July 1982 at Santiago Bernabeu. West Germany took lead in 43 minute and created more situations than Poland, but 30 minutes before end of regulation time German goalkeeper Harald Schumacher made mistake, that propably costed his team title. Schumacher rammed Polish midfielder Kupcewicz outside penalty box, running for a ball, which he had not chance to catch. Kupcewicz lost consciousness and lost few teeths, he was taken away from the field and Włodzimierz Ciołek took his place. Schumacher for his foul was send off, as first goalkeeper at World Cup [1].

Reduced to 10 men Germans tried to hold the lead until final whistle, but Boniek, who returned after suspension, scored equalizer in 84 minute. Regulation time ended with 1-1 draw and extra time was needed to decide, who would win the tournament. German team was losing steam, being outnumbered and tried after having to play extra time against France 3 days earlier. Poland exploited problems of opponents during extra time-Poland took lead thanks to goal of substitute Ciołek, and then Szarmach scored his third goal at tournament, convincing coach Piechniczek, that national team really needs him. Against all odds, at the time, when Poland faced masive crisis, with martial law imposed few months earlier, golden generation of Polish football achieved its last and biggest success.

Harald Schumacher was blamed for defeat in Germany and never played in national team again.

World Cup Final

[1] I've mentioned, that Schumacher's raid does not happen during semi-final, but not that it does not happen at all...

 

[Jan Olbracht]

World Cup 1982, Knock-out stage:

Final positions:

1.

Poland (1st title)
2.

West Germany
3.

Argentina
4.

France

Best player:

Zbigniew Boniek

Top scorer:

Diego Maradona (6 goals)

 

[Coulsdon Eagle]

Karma is a bitch! And folk today don't recall how good Poland were in those 10 years.

 

[Jan Olbracht]

Karma is a bitch! And folk today don't recall how good Poland were in those 10 years.

Some just see the results and think, that Poland in 1974 and 1982 was just like Turkey at 2002 WCorld Cup. I've read opinion on this forum, that Brazil in 1974 must be really weak, because they lost to Poland

 

[QTXAdsy]

I've read opinion on this forum, that Brazil in 1974 must be really weak, because they lost to Poland

Even Scotland nearly beat Brazil if only Billy Bremner had scored that goal against Brazil! Oh, if only then!

 

[Jan Olbracht]

Even Scotland nearly beat Brazil if only Billy Bremner had scored that goal against Brazil! Oh, if only then!

That Scottish team was really unfortunate-equal on points with Brazil and still failed to advance

Be patient, I've interesting plans for Scotland at 1986 World Cup.

 

[QTXAdsy]

That Scottish team was really unfortunate-equal on points with Brazil and still failed to advance

Be patient, I've interesting plans for Scotland at 1986 World Cup.

Hopefully get revenge on Uruguay. My Dad says that Uruguay in 1986 was without question the dirtiest team he'd seen Scotland play and said that many in Scotland at that time said that if Uruguay were to face England had they got past Argentina, it would have been a rare moment in which the Scots would have been cheering for the England team for them to beat Uruguay which really says a lot of how much of a bad taste Uruguay left behind.

 

[Jan Olbracht]

Logo of 1986 World Cup, designed by Rubén Santiago Hernández.


13th edition of FIFA World Cup was hosted by Mexico, after Colombia, originaly choosen as host, widthrew from organizing tournament due to economic costs. Mexico hosted World Cup in 1970, so needed infrastructure from previous tournament played on Mexican soil could be re-used.
FIFA kept format with 24 teams, but this time second group stage was replaced by knockout round of 16 teams.

24 qualified teams were divided into 6 groups. Before final draw these teams were placed in 4 pots, with host, top 4 of previous tournament and Brazil as seeded teams:

Have you noticed some subtle differences compared to OTL?

 

[Jan Olbracht]

Groups would look mostly like IOTL, with few exceptions: Poland and Argentina would switch groups (so Group A would still have defending champion and Group F would contain winner of third place play-off. And Bulgaria would be replaced by East Germany. So groups of 1986 World Cup are:

Group A: Poland, Italy, South Korea, East Germany

Group B: Mexico, Paraguay, Iraq, Belgium

Group C: France, England, Canada, Hungary

Group D: Brazil, Spain, Algeria, Northern Ireland

Group E: West Germany, Uruguay, Denmark, Scotland

Group F: Argentina, Soviet Union, Morocco, Portugal

EDIT: England and USSR switch places too to keep England away from Argentina.

 

[MatthewFirth]

An earlier hand of god?

 

[QTXAdsy]

Groups would look mostly like IOTL, with few exceptions: Poland and Argentina would switch groups (so Group A would still have defending champion and Group F would contain winner of third place play-off. And Bulgaria would be replaced by East Germany. So groups of 1986 World Cup are:

Group A: Poland, Italy, South Korea, East Germany

Group B: Mexico, Paraguay, Iraq, Belgium

Group C: France, Soviet Union, Canada, Hungary

Group D: Brazil, Spain, Algeria, Northern Ireland

Group E: West Germany, Uruguay, Denmark, Scotland

Group F: Argentina, England, Morocco, Portugal

Actually IIRC, England and Argentina were deliberately kept away in the draw because diplomatic relations hadn't been re-established after the Falklands War?

 

[Jan Olbracht]

Actually IIRC, England and Argentina were deliberately kept away in the draw because diplomatic relations hadn't been re-established after the Falklands War?

Would be easier if England was seeded too?

OK then, one more small change-England and USSR switch places too.

 

[Ruperto Pesto]

Cameroon was less successful during second round, facing two South American giants. Cameroonians hold 0-0 draw with defending champion Argentina until 80 minute, but then lost 3 goals within just 9 minutes. Against Brazil Cameroon conceded goal early, and while African team was able to equalize, two further goals scored by Brazilians definitely ended Cameroon's hopes to advance to knock-out stage. Goal scored against Brazil by Abega meant, that Brazil had to win last match against Argentina, as Argentinians had better goal difference. Brazil was on good way to achieve that goal, taking 2-0 lead by 51 minute, but Argentinian team, despite being badly outmatched, managed to equalize, making use of two mistakes of Brazilian defense. Draw meant, that Argentina as winner of Group C advanced to Semi-Final to face Poland, winner of Group A.

Results of Group C:

View attachment 674932View attachment 674933

One of the most interesting things in quarantine, was that sport networks in Argentina re broadcasted several World Cup games played by Argentina, and one was Argentina 1 vs Brazil 3, and Argentina 1 vs italy 2... and to my surprise, Argentina played really well in both matches but was extremely luckiless. Against Italy, italians came 3 times and made 2 goals...and against Brazil, Argentina had several clear goal chances to at least finish 3-3, seeing how braziian GK Waldir Peres was superb when everybody says he was the "handless goalkeeper", which against Argentina he wasn't clearly that way....but Argentina had this suicidal manner to defend using offside in Spain 1982, and except one goal (the one Hungary made to Argentina), were because Argentina defended that way...so @Jan Olbracht thank you for this 2-2 against Brazil in this TL!

 

[Jan Olbracht]

Mexican tournament started with surprising 0-1 defeat of defending champion Poland by East German team, returning to World Cup after 12 years long absence. Two days later Italians, looking for redemption for poor performance in 1982, defeated South Korea 3 - 2. Italians defeated later also Poland and were close to winning Group A, but conceaded injury time goal while playing against East Germany. East Germany, equal on points with Italy but with better goal difference, surprisingly won the group. Poland struggled to secure advance after two loses, but 2-0 victory against South Korea happened to be enough to advance to Round of 16 from third place.

Table and results of group A