Arconada was seriously injured in 1985–86's league opener, which caused him to miss the remainder of the campaign and the 1986 FIFA World Cup.[9] He still returned strong for three more seasons, helping Real Sociedad to two consecutive Copa 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 a cross from Billy Hamilton of Northern Ireland, dropping the ball for Gerry Armstrong to score the only goal in Valencia 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 to John Motson's live commentary in the match.[16][17]
At the 1984 European Championships, Arconada's blunder resulted in the opening goal for hosts France in a 2–0 final loss: he appeared to have smothered a free kick from Michel 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 to Iker Casillas.[20][25][26][27][28][29]
In 2017, former goalkeeper Manuel Almunia also praised Arconada for his ability to produce saves with his feet.[30]
Personal life
Arconada's younger brother, Gonzalo, never played professional football, but had an extensive coaching career, mainly in the Segunda 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). Retrieved 14 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). Retrieved 14 November 2024.
^Mir, José (22 May 1980). "El equipo ideal del fútbol español" [The Spanish football's all-star team]. Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish). Retrieved 12 November 2024.
^Mir, José (4 May 1982). "El equipo ideal del fútbol español" [The Spanish football's all-star team]. Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish). Retrieved 12 November 2024.
^"Clasificación por puestos" [Ranking by positions]. Mundo Deportivo (in Spanish). 24 May 1988. Retrieved 12 November 2024.