The 30 greatest moments of the World Cup: Diego Maradona’s Hand of God
THE countdown is on. With 30 days to go until this year’s edition, we’re counting down the moments that have defined the World Cup — beginning with the most controversial goal in history.
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WE’RE one month out from the biggest sporting event of the year.
And with the World Cup starting in 30 days, when hosts Russia will take on Saudi Arabia in the tournament’s opening match, we’re unveiling the first of our 30 greatest World Cup moments.
They’re moments which captured the world’s attention and define the tournament’s 88-year history.
And to kick things off, we’re starting with the most controversial goal in World Cup history.
What was the ‘moment’: The Hand of God
Which World Cup was it? Mexico 1986
Country played for: Argentina
Every now and then, the World Cup throws up a game the ramifications of which can be felt far beyond the football field.
Argentina vs England at Mexico ’86 was one such historic contest. The rancour of the Falklands War still hung between the two nations, with the South Americans particularly still hurt by the loss during the senseless and bitter dispute.
This quarter-final class was Argentina’s chance of revenge — and they certainly inflicted maximum pain on their foes, with Maradona scoring two of the most famous goals in football history, to leave the English wincing and gasping.
The first half at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City was understandably tense, with Argentina enjoying the better of the context but unable to find a way through the English defence.
Five minutes into the second half the history books are written.
A miscued England clearance loops high into the air and back towards Peter Shilton in goal — but Maradona is also following the ball. Both rise as the ball drops just outside the six-yard box.
The England keeper reaches to punch it clear but somehow the 5’5 Maradona beats the 6’0 Shilton to the ball and the ball rolls into the net.
It looks like a clear handball, even with the fuzziness TV coverage of the ‘80s. Maradona runs away, looking at the ref and celebrating, with his teammates conspicuously late in joining him, while the England players raise their hands and implore the referee.
But Tunisian ref Ali Bin Nasser won’t be moved. The goal stands. A cruelty to England that delights Argentina.
After the game, Maradona said his first was scored “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God”.
That Maradona scores the goal of the century just four minutes later does little to salve England’s pain. But it makes it even sweeter for Argentina.
“I sometimes think I preferred the one with my hand,” Maradona said in his autobiography. “It was a bit like stealing the wallet of the English.”
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Originally published as The 30 greatest moments of the World Cup: Diego Maradona’s Hand of God
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