Two World Cups, two legends ´ 5 minutes of Spanish /English version/ + Podcast

 Hi! How are you?

Good morning, good afternoon, or good evening, depending on where you are or what time you’re listening.

This World Cup is such a hit! There’s a lot of excitement, and people are talking about soccer every day. Welcome to episode 273 of “5 Minutes of Spanish.” This isn’t a soccer podcast…

Podcast 

But since we’re in Mexico and we’re celebrating, this topic is just an excuse to practice a little Spanish.

Sounds good to me. This is Mexico’s third World Cup, right?

Yes, and that reminded me of the other World Cups Mexico hosted.

Are you referring to the ones in 1970 and 1986?

Exactly. They were two very different World Cups, but both left their mark on history.

Why is the 1970 World Cup famous?

Because many experts consider it one of the best World Cups of all time.

Who won?

Brazil, with Pelé as the star, playing “Jogo Bonito” (beautiful game)—a fluid, creative style of soccer that prioritizes individual skill, quick passing, and spectacle over strict tactics.

Is it true that Pelé won three World Cups?

Yes. He won in 1958, 1962, and 1970.

 Incredible! What other special things happened at that World Cup?

It was the first World Cup broadcast on color television, although many families didn’t have TVs and watched the matches at friends’ houses or on big screens.

Anything else?

Yes. Yellow and red cards were also introduced for the first time, as were player substitutions during matches.

 What was the most famous game?

The semifinal between Italy and West Germany. It ended 4–3 after overtime. Many call it the “Game of the Century.”

And what happened with the 1986 World Cup?

Its history is very interesting because Colombia was originally supposed to host it.

Why wasn’t it held in Colombia?

Because the country was facing economic problems, didn’t have all the necessary infrastructure, and was also dealing with violence. That’s why it withdrew from hosting the tournament.

So Mexico stepped in and said, “Here I am…” 

— Yes, and it became the first country to host two World Cups—in what we might call a “special” process.

Was it easy to organize?

No. Mexico also faced many challenges.

What kind of problems?

There was an economic crisis, and on top of that, in September 1985, a devastating earthquake struck, causing thousands of deaths and extensive damage in Mexico City.

And yet they still hosted the World Cup?

Yes. Just a few months after the earthquake, Mexico managed to host the tournament.

It must have been very difficult.

It was. That’s why many people consider it an example of effort and resilience.

Some students are watching a series about that World Cup on Netflix—it’s so famous that it even has its own movie.

Yes, because the story of Mexico ’86 is fascinating. It combines soccer, politics, economics, and historical events.

Who was the star of the tournament?

Diego Armando Maradona, the Argentine soccer player.

What did Maradona do?

In the match against England, he scored two goals.

·         Mundial — World Cup

·         Sede — Host country / Host venue

·         Terremoto — Earthquake

·         Daños — Damage

·         Jugador — Player

·         Selección — National team

·         Tarjeta amarilla — Yellow card

·         Tarjeta roja — Red card

·         Semifinal — Semifinal

·         Tiempo extra — Extra time

·         Gol — Goal

·         Portería — Goal / Goalpost

·         Cancha — Field / Pitch

·         Leyenda — Legend

·         Aficionados — Fans

·         Trofeo — Trophy

·         Campeón — Champion

·         Mano de Dios — Hand of God

·         Gol del Siglo — Goal of the Century

·         Ola mexicana — Mexican wave

·         Huella — Legacy - Lasting mark

·         Dejar una huella — To leave a mark

·         Recuperarse — To recover

·         Hacer historia — To make history

Muchas gracias por escuchar Thank you for listening!

Nos vemos en los cursos en Los Cabos, San Lucas y San José o en nuestros cursos por Zoom.See you in our courses in Los Cabos or Zoom

Hasta pronto / See you soon

Chau, chau/ Bye, bye