The Hand of God (1986) - Maradona’s infamous goal against England in the World Cup quarter-final
The Hand of God (1986) - Maradona’s infamous goal against England in the World Cup quarter-final
The air is electric with excitement as I take my seat. The crowd's roar fills the stadium, a mix of passion and pride. We're all here for the 1986 World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and England. This match will change history, giving us a moment that will be remembered forever.
The game is intense, with both teams fighting hard for victory. Diego Maradona, the Argentine star, makes a move that will change everything. His action will go down in football history as one of the most memorable.
Key Takeaways
- Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final is one of the most controversial and iconic moments in football history.
- The goal, which was scored with Maradona's hand, sparked outrage among the English players and fans, but the referee allowed it to stand.
- Maradona's goal was a symbolic victory for Argentina, coming just four years after the Falklands War between Argentina and the United Kingdom.
- The "Hand of God" goal remains a subject of debate and controversy, with opinions divided on whether it was an act of gamesmanship or a deliberate handball.
- The ball used in the "Hand of God" goal was later sold at auction for nearly $2.4 million, underscoring the enduring legacy of this infamous moment in football history.
The Hand of God (1986)
The "Hand of God" incident is a famous moment from the 1986 World Cup. It happened during a quarter-final match between Argentina and England. Diego Maradona scored a goal by using his hand against the English team.
In the 51st minute, Maradona dribbled towards the England defense. He caught a looping back-pass and used his hand to knock the ball past Peter Shilton, the England goalkeeper. This action put the ball into the goal. Uruguayan commentator Victor Hugo Morales exclaimed, "The goal was scored with his hand and he celebrated with all his soul."
Replays showed Maradona's hand was used to score the goal, giving Argentina a 1-0 lead. Even though it was clear he broke the rules, the referees didn't see it well and let the goal count. This decision made the English players and fans very upset.
"The goal was scored with his hand and he celebrated with all his soul."
- Victor Hugo Morales, Uruguayan commentator
The Hand of God goal was a key moment in the 1986 World Cup. It helped Argentina beat England 2-1. Maradona's second goal, known as the "Goal of the Century," made Argentina's win even more memorable. It also made Maradona one of the greatest footballers ever.
Diego Maradona's Controversial Goal
In the 51st minute of the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal, Diego Maradona made history with the "Hand of God" goal. The ball came towards him in the penalty box. He used his hand to guide it past England's goalkeeper, Peter Shilton, into the net.
The Moment of Impact
Maradona celebrated the goal, but the England team protested. They argued with the Tunisian referee, Ali Bennaceur. Despite their protests, the goal was given, putting Argentina ahead 1-0. They won the match 2-1.
Referee's Decision and Protests
The goal was clear to the England players, but the referee didn't see it. The linesman also missed it. This sparked outrage among the English team and fans, before VAR technology existed.
The goal was allowed, making Maradona's "Hand of God" one of football's most debated moments. The game was also influenced by Argentina's history with the Falkland Islands, adding to the drama.
"Maradona scored the infamous 'Hand of God' goal against England in the quarterfinals of the 1986 World Cup."
The Aftermath
After the final whistle in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final, Diego Maradona faced reporters. The "Hand of God" goal he scored was a topic of discussion. At first, Maradona said he didn't use his hand, claiming it was his head. But in his 2000 autobiography, he confessed, "What hand of God? It was the hand of El Diego!"
Maradona's Initial Reaction
Right after the goal, Maradona denied any wrongdoings. He said he scored with his head, not his hand. This denial made the controversy around the goal even bigger.
Shilton's Perspective
England's goalkeeper Peter Shilton was upset by Maradona's "Hand of God" goal. He said he wouldn't shake hands with Maradona. Shilton felt Maradona should have apologized for the clear handball that changed the game's outcome.
The "Hand of God" goal sparked a lot of debate. Maradona's denial and Shilton's strong stance made this moment in football history unforgettable.
The Name "Hand of God"
The term "Hand of God" linked to Diego Maradona's famous goal against England in the 1986 FIFA World Cup is a mystery. Argentine author Andrés Burgo claims a journalist first used the phrase right after the game. They told Maradona he used his hand. Maradona replied, "Maybe it was the hand of God," starting a famous nickname in sports.
Maradona later said he came up with the phrase himself in his autobiography. He said, "What hand of God? It was the hand of El Diego!" But it doesn't matter who started it. The "Hand of God" label is now linked to Maradona's goal. This goal helped Argentina beat England 2-1 in the 1986 the hand of god (1986) World Cup quarter-final.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of 1986 World Cup Quarter-Final | June 22, 1986 |
| Goal Scored by Maradona | 51st minute |
| Total Goals Scored by Maradona in 1986 World Cup | 5 goals |
| World Cup Titles Won by Maradona with Argentina | 1 (1986) |
The "Hand of God" goal and its story are key parts of Maradona's legacy. They have made his name a big part of football history. The phrase has also become a cultural symbol. It shows Maradona's skill, boldness, and the controversy around his career.
Falklands War and Symbolic Revenge
The 1986 World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and England was set against the backdrop of the Falklands War. This conflict had happened just four years before. In the 2019 documentary "Diego Maradona," Maradona linked the "Hand of God" goal to the Falklands War. He said, "We, as Argentinians, didn't know what the military was up to. They told us that we were winning the war. But in reality, England was winning 20–0. It was tough. The hype made it seem like we were going to play out another war."
Maradona believed the "Hand of God" goal was a way to get revenge against the English. They had won the Falklands War. He said, "I knew it was my hand. It wasn't my plan, but the action happened so fast that the linesman didn't see me putting my hand in. The referee looked at me and he said: 'Goal.' It was a nice feeling like some sort of symbolic revenge against the English."
The Falklands War was a tough conflict. It resulted in 649 Argentine military deaths and 255 British service people losing their lives. Maradona's performance against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final made him a cultural icon in Argentina. His goals were seen as a statement of national pride and superiority over their former colonial power.
The "Hand of God" goal became a moment of national pride for Argentinians. They saw it as a triumph over their rivals. Maradona's skill and ability to overcome the odds, even through controversy, deeply moved the Argentine people. They celebrated his success as a symbolic victory after the Falklands War.
Legacy and Subsequent Use
The "Hand of God" goal by Diego Maradona in the 1986 World Cup is unforgettable. It's one of the most debated moments in football history. The term now describes other handball goals in the sport.
Maradona scored another handball goal against the Soviet Union in the 1990 World Cup. In the 2004 AFC Asian Cup Final, Koji Nakata of Japan scored a goal with his hand, called the "Hand of God 2.0." Luis Suárez of Uruguay used his hand to block a goal for Ghana in the 2010 World Cup, earning the "New Hand of God" nickname.
The "Hand of God" has left a lasting impact, not just on the field. Paolo Sorrentino's 2021 film "È stata la mano di Dio" (The Hand of God) references Maradona's impact on 1980s Naples. This moment is still widely discussed, debated, and seen as culturally significant, making it a key part of football history.
Famous Handball Goals
- Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal against England in the 1986 World Cup
- Maradona's handball goal against the Soviet Union in the 1990 World Cup
- Koji Nakata's handball goal for Japan against China in the 2004 AFC Asian Cup Final
- Luis Suárez's handball to deny Ghana a goal in the 2010 World Cup
"The 'Hand of God' goal remains one of the most talked-about moments in World Cup history."
Maradona's Shirt and the Ball
The "Hand of God" goal by Diego Maradona in the 1986 World Cup against England changed football forever. This moment, along with the "Goal of the Century," made history. Fans and collectors are still fascinated by Maradona's jersey and the ball from that match.
Record-Breaking Auction Sale
In 2022, Maradona's 1986 World Cup jersey was sold at auction by Sotheby's in London. It broke the record for the most expensive sports memorabilia item ever sold. The jersey, given to England's Steve Hodge after the game, fetched £7.1 million ($8.9 million).
The ball from the "Hand of God" goal also has a fascinating story. It belonged to Tunisian referee Ali Bennaceur, who worked the match. Recently, it was auctioned off for £2 million, with the sale still pending.
The sale of Maradona's jersey and interest in the iconic ball prove the lasting impact of the "Hand of God" moment. It's a key part of football's history.
The 1986 World Cup
The 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico is known as the "Maradona World Cup" because of Diego Maradona's amazing performance. He scored five goals and gave five assists, leading Argentina to their second World Cup win. Argentina beat England in the quarter-finals, then Belgium 2-0 in the semis, and West Germany 3-2 in the final. Maradona was key in both matches.
The match against England on June 22, 1986, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, is famous for Maradona's "Hand of God" goal. This goal, where Maradona used his hand, made Argentina lead 1-0 over England. Argentina won 2-1. Maradona said it was "a little with the head of Maradona, and a little with the hand of God."
Maradona's second goal in that match was called the "Goal of the Century." It was an amazing solo effort, where he beat several English players before scoring. In the 1986 World Cup final, Argentina beat West Germany 3-2, with Maradona playing a key part in their win.
| Match Details | Argentina vs. England |
|---|---|
| Date | June 22, 1986 |
| Venue | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City |
| Referee | Ali Bin Nasser (Tunisia) |
| Attendance | 114,580 |
| Score | Argentina 2 - 1 England |
The 1986 World Cup final saw Argentina beat West Germany 3-2, with Maradona playing a key role. The match happened four years after the Falklands War, adding tension between Argentina and England. Maradona's "Hand of God" goal was seen as a way for Argentina to get back at England for their victory in the Falklands War.
Maradona's Rise to Greatness
By 1986, Diego Maradona was on his way to becoming a legend. He was seen as one of the top players globally. His skills shone brightly in the match against Uruguay, leading Argentina to a 1-0 win.
But it was against England in the quarterfinals that he made history. His "hand of god jersey" goal sparked debate worldwide. Yet, his "maradona jersey" goal, known as the "Goal of the Century," showed his unmatched talent.
"A little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God."
Maradona's 1986 World Cup performance was legendary. He scored 10-15 goals a year in Italy, winning a European league title and a UEFA Cup medal. His ability to create chances for teammates made him a threat on the field.
Even when faced with tough defenses, Maradona led Argentina to success. His skills in controlling the game and scoring iconic goals made him a football legend.
- Maradona won one European league title and a UEFA Cup medal before the 1986 World Cup.
- He scored around 10-15 goals per year while playing in Italy during the 1980s.
- Maradona played a crucial role in Argentina's performance at the 1986 World Cup, being the key driver of goals.
- He faced defensive challenges from opponents like South Korea and Italy, who tried to stifle his impact.
- Maradona's close control, playmaking skills, and iconic goals cemented his place as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
The Goal of the Century
Just four minutes after his famous "hand of god (1986)" goal, Diego Maradona scored the "Goal of the Century." He dribbled past many England players before calmly scoring. This goal, along with the "Hand of God," helped Argentina win 2-1 against England and move to the 1986 World Cup semifinals. They won the tournament there.
Maradona's skill and technical ability were clear in this goal. He went through the English defense easily, showing his greatness. The argentina 1986 retro jersey and hand of god jersey he wore that day are now symbols of his legacy.
"Maradona's second goal was one of the greatest individual goals ever scored. It was just pure genius."
The "Goal of the Century" made Maradona a true football icon. His skills in the 1986 World Cup, leading maradona jersey Argentina to victory, made him a legend. His achievements still inspire fans worldwide.
Argentina's World Cup Victory
After beating England in the quarter-finals, Argentina won their second FIFA World Cup in 1986. Diego Maradona led the team to victory, scoring two goals against Belgium in the semi-finals.
In the final, Argentina faced West Germany. The match was close, but Argentina won 3-2. Maradona played a key role, showing his amazing skills and leadership.
Maradona was given the Golden Ball award for his outstanding play in the 1986 World Cup. He scored five goals and helped his teammates score five more. This made him one of the greatest players in football history.
"Maradona was simply unstoppable. His vision, dribbling, and ability to create chances for his teammates made him the driving force behind Argentina's World Cup victory."
The 1986 Argentina retro jersey, with the famous hand of god jersey design, is a prized item for football fans. The Maradona jersey from the tournament sold for $9.2 million in 2022, making it one of the most valuable sports memorabilia.
The 1986 World Cup win was a key moment for Argentina's football. The hand of god (1986) and Maradona's performance made a lasting impact on the sport. They captivated fans worldwide and cemented Maradona's legacy as one of the best players ever.
Controversy and Debate
The "Hand of God" goal by Diego Maradona in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England has sparked a lot of debate. Maradona's fans see it as a clever move, but many others call it cheating. This goal has been a topic of discussion for years.
Sportsmanship vs. Gamesmanship
Goalkeeper Peter Shilton faced Maradona's famous hand-ball goal. He said Maradona never apologized for it. This incident has made people talk about the line between fair play and cheating in sports.
Maradona's move was seen as a cheat by many. Today, opinions are still divided. Some praise his cleverness, while others believe it was cheating and shouldn't be celebrated.
| Sportsmanship | Gamesmanship |
|---|---|
| Adhering to the rules and spirit of the game | Using tactics that push the boundaries of the rules |
| Respecting opponents and officials | Exploiting loopholes or ambiguities in the rules |
| Competing with integrity and fair play | Prioritizing winning over ethical conduct |
The "Hand of God" goal highlights the debate on sportsmanship and gamesmanship in football. Maradona's actions show how complex these issues can be.
Conclusion
The "Hand of God" goal by Diego Maradona in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England is a key moment in football history. It's both iconic and controversial. Maradona scored with his hand, showing his skill and strategy. This act is seen as a clever move in Argentina but a cheat in England.
The "Hand of God" goal is still talked about today, with its name and image part of football culture. The Argentina 1986 retro jersey and Maradona's jersey from that match are highly sought after. Documentaries like "La Mano de Dios" keep the topic alive, making it a key part of football history.
The "Hand of God" goal shows the complex nature of sportsmanship and the balance between fair play and winning. It highlights how a single moment can deeply affect football's collective memory. This event keeps sparking debates, showing football's power to unite and inspire people across generations.
FAQ
What was the "Hand of God" goal?
The "Hand of God" goal was a famous goal scored by Diego Maradona in the 1986 World Cup. He used his hand to score against England, giving Argentina a 1-0 lead. The goal was allowed, despite the English team's protests.
How did the "Hand of God" goal happen?
Maradona used his hand to control the ball in the penalty box. This action led to the ball going past the England goalkeeper, Peter Shilton. The goal was given, even though the English players argued against it.
How did the referee and players react to the "Hand of God" goal?
The England players, including Peter Shilton and Terry Fenwick, argued with the referee after the goal. But the referee, Ali Bennaceur, from Tunisia, decided to keep the goal. Maradona's teammates were surprised, unsure if he had used his hand.
How did Maradona initially react to the "Hand of God" goal?
After scoring, Maradona denied using his hand, saying he headed the ball in. But in his 2000 autobiography, he confessed, "What hand of God? It was the hand of El Diego!"
What was Peter Shilton's perspective on the "Hand of God" goal?
Peter Shilton, the England goalkeeper, felt Maradona didn't act right. He said he wouldn't shake hands with Maradona, believing an apology was needed for the action.
Where did the term "Hand of God" come from?
The term "Hand of God" is not clear-cut. A journalist might have first called it the "Hand of God" right after the game. Maradona later embraced the term in his book, saying it was indeed his hand.
How did the Falklands War affect the "Hand of God" goal?
The 1986 World Cup match was set against the backdrop of the Falklands War. Maradona linked the "Hand of God" to the war, seeing it as a victory against England.
What is the legacy of the "Hand of God" goal?
The "Hand of God" goal is a famous and debated moment in World Cup history. It has inspired other handball goals, earning the nickname "Hand of God 2.0."
What happened to Maradona's shirt and the ball from the "Hand of God" goal?
Maradona swapped his shirt with Steve Hodge after the game. The shirt was auctioned off in 2022 for £7.1 million. The ball is also up for auction, with a starting bid of £2 million.
What was Maradona's overall performance in the 1986 World Cup?
The 1986 World Cup was dubbed the "Maradona World Cup" because of his outstanding performance. He scored five goals and provided five assists, leading Argentina to victory.
What was the "Goal of the Century" scored by Maradona?
Right after the "Hand of God" goal, Maradona scored the "Goal of the Century." He dribbled past several England players before scoring calmly. This goal helped Argentina beat England and advance in the World Cup.
How has the "Hand of God" goal been viewed in terms of sportsmanship?
The "Hand of God" goal has sparked much debate. While celebrated by Maradona and Argentine fans, it's seen as cheating by many. It has led to discussions on sportsmanship and gamesmanship in football.
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