Maradona Magic Rubs Out Belgium as Argentina Wins, 2-0

Diego Maradona once again took charge of Argentina’s World Cup hopes, scoring two spectacular goals Wednesday to lead his team to a 2-0 semifinal victory over Belgium and into Sunday’s tournament final against West Germany.

In the quarterfinals against England, Maradona scored two second-half goals. He matched that feat Wednesday, ending Belgium’s stunning run to its first World Cup semifinal that had included victories over the Soviet Union and Spain.

Maradona beat two Belgian defenders to a pass from Jorge Burruchaga, and, as goalie Jean-Marie Pfaff charged, he chipped the ball over Pfaff and into the net at 51 minutes. The goal came in the same minute as Maradona’s first goal against England.

Pfaff kept Belgium close with a soaring left-hand save on a 20-yard shot by Julio Olarticoechea at 63 minutes.

Then, Maradona clinched it with one of his patented solo efforts. He took the ball about 40 yards from the goal, dribbled with his feet between four defenders and, from a sharp angle, beat Pfaff to the far side.

The goal was similar to the second one he scored against England when, again, Maradona left four defenders behind.

The sensational striker barely missed his third goal at 67 minutes, shooting just wide after another dribbling exhibition.

With 10 minutes left, he set up Jorge Valdano in front of a wide-open net, but Valdano shot into the stands.

“This is the happiest day of my life . . . until Sunday,” said Maradona, whose team has allowed only three goals in six games in this tournament. “We can’t talk about total victory yet because the Germans are so strong.”

The Belgian coach, Guy Thys, said: “I believe we were defeated by the best player. If you put Maradona in my team, then Belgium would play in the final match.”

Asked how many other teams would reach the final with Maradona, Thys replied: “Certainly all teams in the semifinals.”