#2 Diego Maradona's "hand of God" – Argentina v England, 1986
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This is perhaps the most infamous goal in the history of world football. England were facing Argentina in the quarter-finals of the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. The score was tied at 0-0 six minutes into the second half.
Argentine legend Diego Maradona chased a dismal clearance by English midfielder, Steve Hodge. As the English custodian Peter Shilton rose to collect the ball, Maradona jumped higher up and flicked the ball into the net with the outside of his left fist to give Argentina the lead.
The infringement was not spotted by the referee and the goal was allowed. Commenting after the match, Maradona said that the goal had been scored “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God.” He also added that the Falklands war four years ago was finally avenged with the goal.
Argentina went on to win the World Cup after Maradona scored the ‘Goal of the Century’, dribbling past six English defenders a few minutes after the ‘Hand of God’ incident. Maradona still remains the most hated figure among the English.
