Memories Of Japan's 1979 U-20 World Cup: Argentina And Maradona Crazy Indonesia

Maradona's action passed his opponent in the match against Indonesia at the 1979 U-20 World Cup in Japan. (Fifa.com)

JAKARTA - Diego Armando Maradona is one of the best footballers of all time. His work in processing the round skin is unquestionable. He was able to become a field star everywhere. In fact, this skill has been present since Maradona was young.

He was trusted as the Argentina national team's goal machine' when competing in the 1979 U-20 World Cup in Japan. Even the Indonesian national team had been the victim of their goal-scoring streak in the preliminary round. Maradona brought Argentina to win over Indonesia with a big score of 5-0.

Argentina is like Brazil in matters of football. The two countries agreed to view Football as a way of life. A way of life to get out of the puddle of poverty. This condition makes every parent want their child to become a professional football player.

Maradona's family are no exception. They want Maradona to be a world famous football player. Maradona agreed with that hope. Every day he continued to practice football. On the streets or on the pitch.

His ability to play football is increasing. Maradona's physique is strong. His goal scored also grew. The combination made many local clubs talk about his talent. The pinnacle of being loved by scholars arrived. Maradona's hard work paid off. He, who is still 16 years old, is being proposed by local club Argentinos Juniors.

Maradona proved his greatness. All his power and efforts were perpetuated to become one of the best footballers in the world. The result was brilliant. He recorded a proud record at the Argentinos Juniors.

In 166 matches, Maradona was able to score 115 goals. The narrative made Maradona's name soar throughout Argentina. He was hailed as a future star. Maradona is predicted to be able to bring Argentina to win the World Cup in the future.

Maradona, only 16 years old when he debuted for the Argentinos Juniors team. Even though Argentina's political conditions are chaotic. Maradona's expertise makes Argentina look like a new star. Political narratives are then not allowed to enter Maradona's dressing room. Only football and sports can touch them.

As a result, Maradona does not smoke or drink. He likes to practice, even when his club officers start turning off the stadium lights. He has a lesson. he invites his club colleagues to bet on a penalty shootout. The excitement makes the club bus driver often wait and go home for a long time because of Maradona's training, "explained Guillem Balague in the book Maradona: The Boy, The Rebel, The God (2021).

Maradona's action amazed many parties. Argentine national team coach César Luis Menotti, especially. Maradona is predicted to be a prolific goalscorer for Argentina. Menotti then asked him to enter the training center of the Argentine senior national team.

The camp was carried out in preparation for Argentina as the host of the 1978 World Cup. Far from being burned. Maradona's services and skills are not needed by the Minister of Social Affairs. That said, Menotti considered Maradona to be too young. Moreover, Menotti considered that there was no shortage of goal machines because the position had been monopolized by Mario Kempes.

However, Maradona was not discouraged. All because Menotti asked Maradona to help him win the 1979 U-20 World Cup in Japan. Maradona did not waste that opportunity. Argentina then joined group B. A group filled by Poland, straight, and Indonesia.

The first phase of the group stage match immediately brought together between Argentina and Indonesia. Argentina is also predicted to win easily against Soetjipto Soentoro's team. The narrative is not just an empty message.

Indonesia is considered not a football country like Brazil or Argentina. This prediction finally became a reality on August 26, 1979. Omiya Stadium was asked to be the arena for proof of Argentina and Indonesia.

The Indonesian national team has warned how dangerous Maradona is. However, the ball was round and Maradona was like a green field star. The Argentina U-20 national team captain was able to score two goals against Endang Tirtana. Each in the 19th and 39th minutes.

Then Maradona's colleague, Ramon Diaz scored a hat trick. Each in the 10, 23, 25. Argentina won with a big score of 5-0. Indonesia inevitably had to admit Maradona's greatness. However, the defeat was not too bad considering the level between Argentina and Indonesia which was too far away.

The level of the senior national team, let alone. The one thing that became a blessing in the defeat was the Indonesian national team being a witness to the birth of a star. Maradona, his name. Victory over Indonesia made Maradona and Argentina confident that they could win the Japan U-20 World Cup.

That dream became real when Argentina won over the Soviet Union in the final with a score of 3-1. Argentina also emerged as the winner of the U-20 World Cup in Japan. The move follows in the footsteps of the Argentine Senior National Team, which one year earlier won the 1978 World Cup.

At the Juvenile world championship (Youth Word Cup) or known as the U-20 World Cup which was held in Japan in 1979, Maradona was trusted to be captain. His team played fiercely to win this junior championship.

"In the city of Omiya Japan, the Argentine team had shaved the Indonesian team with a score of 5-0, on August 26, 1979. Two of them were scored by Maradona's feet, which at that time were not even 19 years old. Finally, he and his team brought home the junior world title," said Jo Pakagula in the book Diego Armando Maradona: Legend of the Hand of God (2009).