World Cup History: The head, the feet, the hand and the genius of Maradona

This FIFA World Cup History feature is part of our build-up to the 2014 edition, which will chart the most special moments from previous tournaments. Today we have a look at the 1986 World Cup. CLICK HERE for the full series. It all began in 1962 when England beat Argentina at the World Cup, knocking them out of the tournament. They beat them again in 1966 in a match known in Argentina as the theft of the century — the red card for Antonio Rattin was the biggest point of contention. England manager Alf Ramsey did not allow his players to swap shirts with their opponents post the 1-0 win (the goal itself was contentious, many believing it offside) and also called the South Americans ‘animals’ later in the press. Then came the 74-day Falklands War in 1982, a conflict over the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands which ended in Argentina surrendering. Considering the history between these two teams on and off the pitch, Argentina vs England in 1986 was never going to be controversy-free. The goalless first half was only the calm before the storm — whipped up by the diminutive but brilliant Diego Maradona. [caption id=“attachment_1543297” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  More than Argentina’s, 1986 will be remembered as Diego Maradona’s World Cup. Getty Images[/caption] Maradona had played a part in every goal Argentina scored in the group stage and was already a superstar with exploits for Barcelona and Napoli. He was also known as an eccentric genius. In fact the match against England saw all sides of Maradona — the sublime and silky dribbling, the incredible eye for a pass, the power and accuracy in his left foot and his desire to win — no matter what. Two moments that defined the man: he first chased after a poor clearance by Steve Hodge, jumped above goalkeeper Peter Shilton to score one of the most controversial goals in World Cup history. Maradona later said that he realised that the referees had given the goal and asked his teammates to celebrate with him — using the excuse that the one who robs a thief is worth of a 100-year pardon. The cheeky Argentinian famously said after the match that the goal had been scored “a little with the head of Maradona, and a little with the hand of God.”

If that goal was Maradona’s most controversial moment, then the next one was his most glorious. He went past half the English team and goalkeeper Peter Shilton to score the best goal in World Cup history. This is how The Guardian has described the moment: “With England still reeling, the woefully misfiring Hoddle gave the ball away cheaply in the middle of the Argentina half. It was shuttled upfield to Maradona, who faced his own goal just to the right of the centre circle. Spinning around, he dismissed Beardsley and Reid, then made off down the right, prodding the ball forward with extreme prejudice. He teased Butcher, then nipped inside as the big defender lunged. Gathering speed, he made for the penalty area, slipping past the preposterous Fenwick, then goading Shilton off his line. The keeper spread himself well, but Maradona rounded him on the right, holding off Butcher, who had bravely come back for more, and slipped the ball into the right-hand side of the exposed net.” England hit back after John Barnes was introduced — he provided a goal for Gary Lineker and almost set another one up. Argentina got stuck in and saw the game through, Maradona later admitting that his exploits were vengeance for what happened during the Falklands War. As Brazil’s stars misfired in the penalty shootout vs France in the quarters, and France fell victim to fatigue against the Germans in the semis, Maradona scored two more goals against Belgium to take Argentina to the finals. He repeated the same tricks which he used to bamboozle England’s defence during these strikes. It was almost as if, Maradona was out to prove that the 75-yard run against England was not a fluke. Argentina took a 2-0 lead through Jose Luis Brown and Jorge Valdano goals but Germany struck back as Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Rudi Voeller netted. Maradona had scored five and created four before the final and though he was shackled for most of the final by Lothar Matthaeus — he ended another weaving run with a fifth assist. Jorge Burruchaga put it away and Argentina had won the World Cup. More than the country’s though, it will be remembered as Diego Maradona’s World Cup. World Cup 1986 Hosts: Mexico Winners: Argentina (3-2 vs Germany)* Top-scorer: Gary Lineker (6 goals) *The story has been updated to correct the score from the final between Argentina and Germany. Follow the writer on Twitter @TheFalseNo9