The Azteca Stadium in Mexico City is a hallowed ground in football history, but for England fans, it is a site of infamy. It was here, on June 22, 1986, that Diego Maradona scored his notorious 'Hand of God' goal, punching the ball past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton in a World Cup quarter-final. Argentina won 2-1, with Maradona also scoring a sublime second goal, and went on to win the tournament.
The Hand of God Incident
Maradona's first goal came in the 51st minute when he leaped with Shilton and used his left hand to direct the ball into the net. Despite protests from England players, the goal stood. Maradona later said it was scored 'a little with the head of Maradona, and a little with the hand of God.' The goal is one of the most controversial in World Cup history and remains a painful memory for English football.
England's Legacy at the Azteca
The defeat at the Azteca Stadium is part of a broader history of England's struggles in World Cup quarter-finals. England have been eliminated at this stage in five of their last seven tournaments, including 2006, 2010, 2018, and 2022. The 1986 loss to Argentina is often cited as the most heartbreaking, given the manner of Maradona's first goal.
England's only World Cup triumph came in 1966, and they have not reached the final since. The Azteca Stadium defeat is a symbol of their quarter-final curse. In 2018, England finally broke the curse by winning a penalty shootout against Colombia in the round of 16, but they lost to Croatia in the semi-finals.
Maradona's Second Goal
Maradona's second goal in the same match is widely regarded as one of the greatest in World Cup history. He picked up the ball in his own half, dribbled past five England players, and slotted home. The goal was voted the 'Goal of the Century' in a 2002 FIFA poll. For England, it compounded the injustice of the first goal.
The Azteca's Place in History
The Azteca Stadium has hosted two World Cup finals (1970 and 1986) and is one of the most iconic venues in football. It has witnessed many memorable moments, including Pelé's performances in 1970 and Maradona's brilliance in 1986. For England, however, it is a place of bitter memories.
England's match against Argentina in 1986 is one of the most famous in World Cup history, but for all the wrong reasons from an English perspective. The 'Hand of God' goal remains a topic of debate and a source of frustration. England have not faced Argentina in a World Cup since 2002, when they won 1-0 in the group stage.
