Did Maradona’s Hand of God Goal Count?
The 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico remains one of the most memorable tournaments in football history. Among its most iconic moments is Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal against England in the quarter‑finals. The question that still sparks debate among fans and pundits is whether the goal should have counted under the Laws of the Game.
The 1986 World Cup: A Snapshot
Argentina faced England on 22 June 1986 in the quarter‑finals. The match was a high‑stakes encounter, with both teams looking to advance to the semi‑finals. The atmosphere was electric, and the stakes were clear: the winner would move on to the last four of the tournament.
Key Moments Before the Hand
- Argentina opened the scoring with a spectacular free‑kick by Maradona, giving them a 1‑0 lead.
- England responded with a goal of their own, leveling the score at 1‑1.
- In the 51st minute, Maradona received a pass from Jorge Burruchaga, drove past two defenders, and attempted a header. The ball hit his arm and went into the net.
The Hand of God: How It Happened
Maradona later described the goal as a “handful of cleverness.” He used his left hand to direct the ball into the goal, a clear violation of the Laws of the Game. The referee, Ali Massoud, did not see the handball and awarded the goal, giving Argentina a 2‑1 advantage.
In the final minutes, Maradona scored another goal
