Hands of God: Peru's handball against Brazil and others that slipped referees' attention

The joy that a winning moment produces, the astonishment of stunning goals scored, the agony of losers and stellar individual performances at major football events are all etched in the minds of the football lovers around the world and will stay there several years after the events’ conclusion. And then there are moments that are recalled and talked about for decades after they take place, the ones that often involve elements of controversy. Brazilian fans had to digest one such moment on Sunday, when Peru's goal in a 1-0 win — which appeared to be a clear handball — knocked them out of the Copa America, the first time in 30 years that Brazil has been eliminated at the competition’s group stage. Brazilian players surrounded the referee after the game, but all they got in exchange was frustration. This moment will now come back to haunt the Brazilian fans for some time to come, perhaps until they manage to win the Copa America again. But this was hardly the first such moment in football. We have had players use their hands in helping the ball into the goal for as long as we have had football. Here’s a look at some of the most blatant attempts at handballs that resulted in goals at major football tournaments. Brazil 0-1 Peru, 2016 Copa America - Raul Ruidiaz goal

Brazil exiting any competition triggers plenty of talking points, but if it happens at the group stage of a Copa America for the first time in 30 years, it gets even bigger. However, it doesn’t end here. Raul Ruidiaz’s goal for Peru appeared to be a blatant handball. Referee Andres Cunha, who missed the initial handball, failed to give the correct decision despite discussing the matter with his fourth official for a considerable amount of time. The goal, that came in the 75th minute of Sunday’s match, was enough for Peru to claim a 1-0 win and send Brazil packing. The Selecao, who thrashed Haiti 7-1 in their last game, finished third in the group after only managing a draw in their first game against Ecuador. The fact that Brazil failed to score in two of their three group games will now take a back seat to Ruidiaz’s handball-goal that ended Brazil’s hopes in the centenary year of the Copa America. France 1-1 Republic of Ireland, 2010 FIFA World Cup play-off - Thierry Henry handball

There was little to talk about France’s brief stint at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, but their entry into the tournament caused a huge furore and is one of the biggest controversies in recent times. France’s play-off tie with the Republic of Ireland was tied at 1-1 in extra-time at the Stade de France, till Thierry Henry used his hand to control a free-kick from Florent Malouda to set-up William Gallas for the goal, that took France to South Africa. Henry later admitted to his misdemeanour, and, with the stakes so high, the Irish demanded the match be replayed. That request was rejected by world governing body Fifa. “The fairest solution would be to replay the game but it is not in my control,” said Henry at the time. But it wasn’t to be and the Irish were left to lick their wounds. Argentina 2-1 England, 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final - Hand of God

Perhaps the most talked-about controversy in the history of the game, Diego Maradona’s opener against England in the quarter-final of the 1986 World Cup — the original Hand of God — has riled up English fans for years. After a goalless first half, Diego Maradona beat England goalkeeper Peter Shilton to the ball and put it in the back of the net. However, Maradona, who was eight inches shorter in height compared to the English custodian used his hand to make the vital contact. Maradona then mesmerised the world as he went past five English defenders to score Argentina’s second goal, dubbed the goal of the century. Despite Gary Linekar pulling a goal back for the Three Lions, England failed to spark a fightback. Maradona’s handball goal is discussed even today and will remain one of the biggest controversies the sport will ever see. Wales 0-2 Scotland, 1978 FIFA World Cup qualifier - Joe Jordan handball

British foes Wales and Scotland clashed in Liverpool in a make-or-break qualifier for the 1978 World Cup. Scotland emerged victorious in this game, but not before a hugely controversial opener. Scotland’s Joe Jordan used his hand to flick Asa Hasford’s throw-in and, shockingly enough, the Scots were awarded a penalty! The spot-kick was converted and the Scots got the crucial lead that helped them win. Jordan, the villain of the incident, still denies any wrongdoing till date, further aggravating the Welsh wounds. Colombia 2-0 France, 2015 Women’s FIFA World Cup - Daniela Montaya handball Considered one of biggest upsets in women’s football history, Colombia’s 2-0 win over third-ranked France in the group stage of the 2015 Women’s World Cup had a huge moment of controversy. Colombia were leading by a solitary goal and came under intense pressure in the second half from the French. France worked the ball into the penalty area and just when the French attacker seemed poised to to score, Colombia’s Daniela Montaya punched the ball away from the attacker’s head. Replays showed it was blatant and deliberate, but the referees in the game missed it completely! A goal time would have completely changed the equation of the game, but it wasn’t to be and Colombia walked away with the points, creating a huge upset.