Arconada was seriously injured in1985–86's league opener, which caused him to miss the remainder of the campaign and the1986 FIFA World Cup.[9] He still returned strong for three more seasons, helping Real Sociedad to two consecutiveCopa del Rey finals before retiring at 35 with a total of 414 appearances (551 overall); after that, he remained apart from the football world.[10]
In the 1982 World Cup, Arconada fumbled across fromBilly Hamilton ofNorthern Ireland, dropping the ball forGerry Armstrong to score the only goal inValencia and help his team to win the group.[14][15] The action was subsequently immortalised by Northern Irish fans, leading to the "Arconada...Armstrong!" fanzine, so-named due toJohn Motson's live commentary in the match.[16][17]
At the 1984 European Championships, Arconada's blunder resulted in the opening goal for hostsFrance in a 2–0final loss: he appeared to have smothered afree kick fromMichel Platini under his chest in a diving save, but the ball slid off under his body and rolled slowly into the net; despite his reputation as a world-class goalkeeper, several years later he was still widely remembered for the error, known as "Arconada's goal" in Spain.[18][19][20][21]
Arconada was known for his leadership, bravery and consistency, and was regarded as one of the best Spanish goalkeepers of all time. His athleticism, speed, shot-stopping ability, reflexes, footwork and acrobatic style served as an inspiration toIker Casillas.[20][25][26][27][28][29]
In 2017, former goalkeeperManuel Almunia also praised Arconada for his ability to produce saves with his feet.[30]
Arconada's younger brother,Gonzalo, never played professional football, but had an extensive coaching career, mainly in theSegunda División B. For a few months in early 2006, he coached Real Sociedad's first team.[31]
^Erkizia, Oier (20 April 2020)."El robo de Hamburgo cumple 37 años" [37th anniversary of the Hamburg robbery].Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish). Retrieved14 November 2024.
^De la Blanca, C. (9 July 2024)."El portero marcado por un error fatal" [The goalkeeper branded by a fatal mistake].La Tribuna de Ciudad Real (in Spanish). Retrieved14 November 2024.
^Mir, José (22 May 1980)."El equipo ideal del fútbol español" [The Spanish football's all-star team].Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish). Retrieved12 November 2024.
^Mir, José (4 May 1982)."El equipo ideal del fútbol español" [The Spanish football's all-star team].Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish). Retrieved12 November 2024.
^"Clasificación por puestos" [Ranking by positions].Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish). 24 May 1988. Retrieved12 November 2024.
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