Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal is famous because it was a controversial and iconic moment in football history, where Maradona used his hand to score a goal against England in the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals.
The Incident
The incident occurred during a quarterfinal match between Argentina and England at the 1986 FIFA World Cup, held at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Maradona, the Argentine captain, scored the goal by flicking the ball with his hand past the outstretched arm of English goalkeeper Peter Shilton. The goal was allowed to stand because none of the match referees could see Maradona using his left hand to score.
Aftermath
After the match, Maradona stated that the goal was scored "a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God". This phrase stuck, and with it, the legend of the goal. The goal remains one of the most controversial moments in world football, with many still debating whether it was a legitimate goal or not.
Legacy
The "Hand of God" goal has become an iconic moment in football history, symbolizing the controversy and drama that can occur in the sport. It has been referenced and parodied countless times in popular culture, and remains a topic of discussion among football fans and pundits. For more information on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the teams participating, visit our website. You can also find more articles like this one in our Football Explained section.
Sources
- The hand of God - Wikipedia
- Why Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal is priceless – and unforgettable
- ⚽ What is Maradona's Hand of God and how did it happen? - Football - Xplore Sports Forum : A sports Q&A platform
- Why is Maradona's goal called the 'hand of God' in football? - Quora
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