#2 Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’
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The 1986 World Cup quarter-final between England and Argentina remains one of the most talked about games in football history, mainly due to the two goals scored by Diego Maradona.
The second is recognised as possibly the greatest goal in football history – a wild dribble from the edge of England’s half – but the first was more controversial. The first half ended 0-0, and six minutes into the second half, Maradona initiated an attack that ended when England defender Steve Hodge sliced at the ball, causing it to fly wildly into the air.
Maradona, who had continued his run into the box, leapt into the air to contest the ball with England keeper Peter Shilton, who was much taller than the Argentine. Somehow though, it appeared that Maradona had reached the ball first and headed it into the net.
Replays would confirm however that the Argentine had in fact punched the ball into the goal with his left hand, a move which he labelled the “Hand of God”. It was a clever con that hoodwinked the officials but video technology would’ve caught it out and Maradona may well have been shown a red card.
Without him, Argentina surely would’ve crumbled, and the course of history would’ve changed dramatically.
