A dedicated fan named Peter Robinson attended the Azteca stadium in Mexico when England last played there four decades ago. Among the crowd of 114,580 fans enduring the scorching weather that day, Peter has continued his support for England at the 2026 World Cup, marking his presence at eleven World Cups.
Peter’s collection of photos narrates a remarkable tale from a bygone era, capturing the historic moment when Diego Maradona executed his infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal and ‘Goal of the Century’. Recalling the ambiance at Azteca, where England is set to confront Mexico this Sunday, the 69-year-old Sunderland supporter reminisced about the past, highlighting the unique circumstances of that time.
Describing the atmosphere, Peter mentioned the presence of tanks outside the stadium on that eventful day, reminiscing about the era devoid of modern safety regulations. Aged 29 at the time of his trip to Mexico for what he considers the best World Cup experience, Peter vividly remembered the post-Falklands War tensions and the overwhelming support for England from the Mexican spectators.
Reflecting on the friendly reception they received, particularly amid the England-Argentina rivalry, Peter recounted the unity among fans, contrasting it with the potential intensity expected in the upcoming match on Sunday. Recalling the vibrant mix of fans in the massive stadium and the challenging conditions, Peter highlighted the unique experiences of that memorable tournament.
Expressing his anticipation for the upcoming game, Peter emphasized the fervor of Mexico’s fans and advised fellow Three Lions supporters to brace themselves for an intense atmosphere. While skeptical about England’s chances of winning, Peter remained optimistic about their performance, citing the presence of VAR to prevent controversies like Maradona’s infamous handball incident.
Now, four decades later, Peter looks forward to witnessing a different outcome at the same iconic stadium, hoping for a new chapter in England’s football history.