June 22, 1986, in Mexico City, and Argentina faced England in the quarterfinals of the World Cup. What transpired during those 90 minutes would become one of the most talked-about games in football history, not just for its drama, but for the individual brilliance of Diego Maradona.
Six minutes into the second half, Maradona rose to challenge England’s goalkeeper, Peter Shilton, for a lofted ball. With a subtle touch of his left hand, Maradona punched the ball into the net—a move he would later describe as the “Hand of God.” The referee failed to spot the handball, and despite furious protests from the English players, the goal stood. Maradona later admitted it was a moment of cunning, but the controversy would only add to his myth.
Four minutes later, Maradona delivered what many consider the greatest goal ever scored in a World Cup. Picking up the ball in his own half, he danced through five English defenders, showcasing dazzling footwork, balance, and speed before calmly slotting the ball past Shilton. The sheer audacity of the run left the world in awe and cemented Maradona’s status as a footballing genius.
Argentina won the match 2-1 and went on to claim the World Cup, with Maradona lifting the trophy as the tournament’s undisputed star. Though the “Hand of God” goal remains controversial, it is forever intertwined with the brilliance that defined Maradona’s legacy.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.