The German team got off to a terrific start in Group D in a 4-1 win against the highly rated Yugoslavs. Lothar Matthäus was a two-time goalscorer and an outstanding player on the pitch. The United Arab Emirates were 'swept away' 5-1 in the second game, with the Germans missing out on a much bigger win. Against the Colombians it was a bit more difficult, but the 1-1 win secured the group victory. Yugoslavia had previously prevailed against the same opponent 1-0 and defeated the Emirates 4-1, which meant second place. Colombia also reached the round of 16 in third place.
After the performance in the preliminary round, the Spaniards went into the game against Yugoslavia as their favorite. But the men from the Balkans knew how to improve and had their match winner in Stojkovic, who scored two goals for a 2-1 victory. In the meantime, Salinas had equalized for Spain, which could not improve in extra time.
The superior Yugoslavs ran in vain against the defensive bulwark of the Argentines, who could hardly cause danger in front of the goalkeeper Ivkovic's goal. So the penalty shoot-out had to decide, whereby Goycochea was able to excel in the gauchos' goal with two penalty kicks saved. Stojkovic, Brnovic and Hadzibegic failed at Yugoslavia, while Maradona and Troglio failed to convert their penalties.