1986 World Cup Quarter-Final vs England

Lore & Background

The first goal, referred to as the 'Hand of God' goal, was illegally scored by Maradona using his hand in the 51st minute. Four minutes later, Maradona dribbled past five England players to score what became known as the 'Goal of the Century'. Argentina won the match 2–1, and went on to win the tournament after defeating West Germany in the final. Maradona won the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament. Gary Lineker, who scored England's goal against Argentina, won the Golden Boot for being the tournament's top scorer with six goals.

In Their Own Story

Minute 51: The stadium roared as Maradona leaped above Terry Fenwick, punching the ball over Peter Shilton into the net. Referee Ali bin Nasser waved play on, leaving English players protesting against the rising tide of Mexican support. Four minutes later, at minute 54, the mood shifted from controversy to awe. Maradona collected the ball near his own halfway line and began a relentless drive north. He sidestepped Peter Reid, evaded Terry Butcher, spun past Gary Stevens and Tony Adams, and finally rounded Shilton with a delicate chipped finish. The Azteca erupted in a singular voice as the net rippled—a sequence of 60 meters that felt like time standing still.

Reader's Guide

The match is remembered for two iconic goals by Diego Maradona. The 'Hand of God' goal was scored with his hand, which he later facetiously described as 'a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God.' The 'Goal of the Century' saw Maradona dribble past five England players from his own half. The match was emotionally charged due to the Falklands War, and Maradona later called it 'symbolic revenge against the English.'

Did You Know?

• Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal was scored with his hand, and he later said at the post-game press conference it was 'a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God.'
• The 'Goal of the Century' was voted the best goal in FIFA World Cup history in a 2002 online poll.
• Argentina wore blue shirts bought from a shop in Mexico City days before the match, after coach Carlos Bilardo deemed their original shirts too heavy.
• Before the match, fans from both countries brawled in the streets and inside the stadium, with several English fans hospitalized.