Inspired by Preben Elkjær and Michael Laudrup, Denmark were outstanding in the group stages of Mexico ’86; their three straight wins well deserved. But all that attacking flair counted for nothing once the Danish defence was exploited by an in form striker.
Emilio Butragueño Santos had been in reasonable form for Spanish Champions Real Madrid during the 1985-86 side season, and his solitary strike against Northern Ireland in the group stages of the World Cup seemed a rational return for some passable performances. Indeed his half time withdrawal in Spain’s final group game against Algeria, in which his direct replacement - Sporting Gijon’s Jose Olaya Eloy - had turned the game, scoring one and assisting another, suggested that Butragueño’s time in the tournament was over.
However coach Miguel Muñoz did not give up on the striker, and El Buitre was not known as El Buitre for nothing…
Happy birthday Emilio, 49 today...
