This may be the most controversial goal in World Cup history. It's from the 1986 quarter-final between Argentina and England, a game Argentina won 2-1 with Diego Maradona scoring twice. We all know about his second goal, so this post will focus on his first. The infamous “Hand of God” goal.
In the 51st minute, with the score at 0-0, Maradona played a ball out wide to Jorge Valdano. England's Steve Hodge managed to dispossess Valdano, but could only kick the ball high into the air, back into the heart of the England penalty area. This set up an aerial challenge between England goalkeeper Peter Shilton (height: 6′ 1″) and Argentine attacking mid Diego Maradona (height: 5′ 5″). Shilton's ball, yes?
No. Because Diego Maradona beat Shilton to the ball, extending his left hand and punching it past the England keeper and into the net. 1-0. Shilton and the other England players complained, as you would, but Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser had failed to spot the handball, and so the goal stood.
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