Billy Bingham guided Northern Ireland to the finals for the second time in successive tournaments and Algeria also returned after making a real impact in 1982. This time out they were up against two very strong teams indeed and had to be content with one point from the drawn match between the two.
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1986 Overview | Group A | Group B | Group C | Group D | Group E | Group F | Knock Out Stages
Brazil
Spain
A single goal from Sócrates, who more or less ran the game for Brazil from his position in the centre of midfield, settled the game. He was on hand to head home from close range after the ball cannoned off the bar in the 62nd minute. Míchel had an apparently legitimate goal for Spain ruled out by the referee.
Algeria
Northern Ireland
Norman Whiteside scored for Northern Ireland in the 6th minute but Djamel Zidane equalised from a free-kick in the second half.
(Andre Silva)
Brazil
Algeria
Algeria did very well to hold Brazil to just a single goal thanks to some very determined defending.
(Marcello Viana)
Spain
Northern Ireland
There would be no repeat of the Irish win over the hosts of the previous World Cup. Butragueño put Spain ahead in the opening minute and Salinas made it 2-0 after 18 minutes. Colin Clarke scored for Northern Ireland immediately after the half-time break but Spain were able to defend their lead until the final whistle.
(Andre Silva)
Brazil
Northern Ireland
Brazil's skill and class were more than enough to end Northern Ireland's campaign and take the South Americans to the top of the group with maximum points. Josimar, making his debut for Brazil, was among the scorers. Pat Jennings, Northern Ireland's veteran goalkeeper retired from international football after the match.
(Andre Silva)
Spain
Algeria
Spain joined Brazil in the knock out phase after a convincing win.
(Marcello Viana)