The Legend of Diego Maradona and the Hand of God – TBT #20

It’s June 22nd, 1986. Argentina and England are playing in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals at the Estadio Azteca stadium in Mexico City. Argentina narrowly beat Uruguay 1-0 in the Round of 16, while England destroyed Paraguay 3-0. Both national teams have lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy and are favorites to win it this year. Regarding the best players of the two teams, Argentina has the legendary Diego Maradona, while England has the superb striker Gary Lineker. 

Referee Ali Bennaceur blows the whistle, and the match starts. The first half finishes goalless. The second half of the game is underway, and the Argentinians are playing better football compared to the first half. 

In the 51st minute, Maradona takes the ball just outside the box, dribbles past a couple of English players, and passes the ball to his teammate Jorge Valdano. Then Valdano tries to pass the ball to Maradona, but midfielder Steve Hodge intercepts it and kicks it high toward his goal. In the meantime, Maradona sneaks into the box and jumps towards the ball. England’s goalkeeper, Peter Shilton, also jumps into the air. In a blink of an eye, the ball was in the goal. Maradona scores. But not with his head, but with his fist, which he held close to his head. 

Referee Bennaceur gave the goal to Argentina despite the protests from the English players. Even the linesman confirmed that it was a clear goal. The whole stadium was in awe. 

Then, just 4 minutes later, Maradona scored another beautiful goal when he took the ball from his half of the field, dribbled past almost half of the English team, and put the ball into the net. Argentina advanced to the semi-final with a 2-1 victory over England. 

The goal was later named “The Hand of God”. Diego Maradona and The Hand of God infamous goal still remain one of, if not the most controversial goals in football history.

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Featured image taken from YouTube.