Before the 1986 World Cup qualifying campaign, Welsh supporters would have been excited about the possibility of Mark Hughes and Ian Rush forming a potent strike partnership. However, Welsh hopes were immediately dashed. Rush was unable to play in the first two games, which were away to Iceland and Spain. The 1-0 defeat in Reykjavik would prove costly. And the 3-0 defeat in Sevilla put Wales once more on the verge of failure. When Mike England’s team prepared to travel to Hampden Park in March 1985, Hughes’ game-winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Iceland made sure that defeat was not an option.

With Hughes and Rush working together, the Scottish centre back duo of Willie Miller and Alex McLeish were in for a difficult evening. Wales went on to defeat Scotland for the first time since 1951. Rush’s stunning long-range strike was made possible by Hughes’ strength in holding off McLeish. The goal highlighting the undeniable strengths of each player.

The following match took place at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham against Spain. Spain had flaws in their 3-1 loss in Scotland, despite making it to the Euro 84 final. The visitors quickly learned they were in for a challenging evening on Tuesday, April 30. Despite Hughes serving as a battering ram in the game’s opening moments. Played in a simmering atmosphere a crowd of 23,494 would witness Hughes handing debutant Inigo Liceranzu a chastening experience. As a result, the centre-back would never play for Spain again.

Avoiding “The Butcher”

Fortunately for Hughes, Rush had to avoid Andoni Goikoetxea’s attention.  However, with a scything tackle from behind the “Butcher of Bilbao” had already made an immediate impression on the Liverpool forward. However, Rush would deliver the opening knockout punch. Taking advantage of a slip-up by his defender and goalkeeper Arconada to give Wales the lead just before halftime.

Then one of the decade’s most memorable goals occurred. A vicious volley so extraordinary that it had to be seen to be believed. In the 52nd minute, after Peter Nicholas’ free kick had looped up just beyond the penalty spot, debutant Pat Van Den Hauwe challenged Goikoetxea. There appeared to be little risk to the Spanish defence. That was until the ball bounced in the vicinity of Hughes.

The ball did not sit up in an inviting manner, instead, it bounced high off of the hard surface. Wales manager Mike England was quoted as saying:

“We all expected Mark to head the ball on when it came back from Goikoetxea. But he responded like the great athlete he is.”

Hughes Scissor Kick

Before Spain could figure out what was happening, Hughes twisted his body into a horizontal position while leaping into the air and delivered a vicious scissor kick that rendered keeper Arconada helpless. The goal itself was thrilling in every way. Hughes’ initial leap, the scissor kick, the fact that the ball went into the top corner of the goal, and the on- and off-field celebrations. England believed that it was worthwhile just for the admission. The fortunate individuals who were on the terraces probably concurred. Rush added one more goal late in the game to complete the scoring. Subsequently putting Wales on top of the group they had been in last place before the Scotland game. Many chose to highlight Hughes’ flash of genius among the many compliments that came Hughes’ way for England and his team.

Wales’ love affair with the Racecourse Ground was maintained with the 3-0 victory over Spain, extending their winning streak there to five years. But after Cardiff Arms Park was ruled out, the crucial match against Scotland was moved to Cardiff’s Ninian Park due to financial concerns within the Welsh FA. Despite Hughes scoring, the 1-1 draw on a tragic night ended Wales’ chances of travelling to Mexico.

Wales’ qualifying campaign began and ended in disappointment. However, some of the works in between the disappointing bookends did offer some highlights. Nobody more so than that Mark Hughes scissor kick in April 1985.