Thomas Tuchel vows 'karma will help England' vs Mexico after World Cup disgrace
Thomas Tuchel has declared that England are due some World Cup "karma" when they take to the pitch at the Azteca Stadium this weekend. Argentina icon Diego Maradona's notorious Hand of God goal ended England's hopes there in 1986, and now the Three Lions face joint hosts Mexico at the very same ground.
Tuchel has revealed his deep affection for World Cup history, stating that the disgraceful moment of cheating is firmly lodged in his memory - and vowed that his side are long overdue a slice of fortune at one of the most fearsome venues in world football. Mexico have played 89 competitive fixtures at the Azteca Stadium, winning 70, drawing 17 and suffering just two defeats - both this century, against Costa Rica in 2001 and Honduras in 2013.
When pressed on what the Hand of God goal signifies for England, Tuchel said: "Not only as English people. Even me. I didn't have a connection to it but it means something.
"Yes, it will reward us. We will get it back. It's karma. Karma will come back for us. We will turn it around."
England manager Tuchel was just 12 years old during the 1986 World Cup, yet fully appreciates what that quarter-final at the Azteca still represents. Maradona committed the most brazen act of cheating in World Cup history, punching the ball beyond Peter Shilton.
Tuchel said: "I remember of course the World Cup of Maradona. Two goals against England. One that was dribbling and one that would never stand these days.
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"I just love football and the old tournaments. These pictures from Mexico they are in St George's Park where we stay. These big framed pictures from Gary Lineker scoring in I think Guadalajara and of course of the coaches and Peter Shilton.
"Big pieces of history. This is a big moment to make peace with the stadium and turn things around."
Tuchel also made clear that England are fully prepared for an electric atmosphere inside the Azteca Stadium, where Mexican supporters will vastly outnumber the travelling England faithful.
Yet Tuchel remained unfazed, stating: "We will expect that. But what can we do? Maybe we will bring ear plugs. I expect everything."