GUWAHATI, Dec 6 - Legendary goalkeeper Peter Leslie Shilton termed Maradona as the best striker he faced during his playing career. The England footballer, who represented his country in 125 international matches, played three World Cups-1982, 1986 and 1990.
Attending the Assam State Premier League (ASPL) Award Function here today, Shilton said, although Maradona scored the first goal against England in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal match in Mexico with his left hand, popularly known as �Hand of God�, the Argentine legend had been the best dribbler of the ball and he was simply outstanding in foxing the opponent players. �I appealed to the referee, Ali Bin Nasser of Tunisia immediately after the goal but the referee refused to change the decision�, he said.
�But the second goal was a superb one,� Shilton recalled.
After the match Maradona apologised for the incident, Shilton stated.
He, however, revealed that the 1990 Italy World Cup was his best as England reached the semifinal before being eventually beaten by Germany in tie breaker.
On Indian football he said, it may take some time but the way the game is going on in this country, in near future they should play at the top stage.
He appealed the organisers to work hard and in a planned way so that the standard could be uplifted. He advised the organisers to take steps at the grass-root level and appoint top class coaches so that a solid base could be laid.
On the difference of standard between world football of their time and the present, the great custodian said, during their time teams were more dependent on individual skills but now the concept has changed as it is team work which plays a vital role in the success of a team.
Replying to a question why England is not doing well in World Cup in recent time, he said, his country has not been able to produce great players these days. That may be a reason that in the last few editions, England has not managed to qualify for the top stage.
