A True Masterpiece… And a Handball

Diego Maradona celebrating his greatness.

In 1986 Diego Maradona scored two of the most memorable goals in the quarterfinal of the World Cup that left the sports world in shock.

The game took to a rather slow start at the beginning and when halftime hit the game was at an uneventful 0–0. In the following half Maradona looked to put an end to England’s chances as he netted two goals in the matter of minutes that cemented his legacy in the world of soccer.

The first goal that found the back of the net was the famous “Hand of God” which Maradona labeled himself. In the 51’ Maradona leaped in the air and “headed” the ball over the keeper to secure a 1–0 lead over the English squad.

Thanks to instant replay for the average viewer, but unfortunately not for the referees, the whole world was able to see that Maradona in fact scored with his hand rather than his head. Hence the “Hand of God.”

“I told them: ‘Come hug me, or the referee isn’t going to allow it,’” Maradona said.

Although the England squad pleaded their case for it to be overturned, somehow, not a single official was able to catch him in the act.

“Hand of God.” Photo by Charles Roderick

The second goal of his was scored a quick four minutes later in the 55’ and was coined the name the “Goal of the Century.”

Maradona received the ball in Argentina’s half of the field and from there a masterpiece was created. Maradona skillfully maneuvered his way through a handful of English defenders with the ball glued to his foot. Maradona ended up pushing it past the goalie and simply passed it into the back of the net to give the Argentina squad a two-goal advantage.

England threatened with a late goal in the 81' but nothing was going to stop Argentina from completing the victory behind Maradona’s two spectacular goals.

Argentina would go on to win the game thanks to the effort of Diego Maradona. They would end up winning the next two games, defeating Germany in the final, to win the World Cup and cementing their squad in the history books.

Whether you prefer the “Hand of God” or the “Goal of the Century” it is undeniable they are both two of the most famous goals in the soccer world.

Maradona’s goal was so spectacular that current Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi recreated it with his own “Hand Of God” goal.

Thanks to no video assistant referees (VAR) Diego Maradona executed the best handball you will ever see.