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Maradona's goals stand the test of time
Posted: Monday June 29, 1998 02:36 PM
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Diego Maradona hoists the World Cup after Argentina defeated West Germany for the title in 1986 (Allsport/Allsport) |
SAINT-ETIENNE, France (AP) --
Few may remember the game, or even the score, but nobody who watched that
World Cup match 12 years ago will ever forget two goals so special they had
to be given names: "Hand of God" and "Diego's Wonder."
Diego Armando Maradona, one of soccer's greatest players ever, tallied
twice as Argentina
beat England
2-1 on June 22, 1986, before 114,000 spectators in Mexico City's
Azteca Stadium.
Argentina then advanced to the semifinals, where it dismissed Belgium 2-0,
again on two goals by Maradona, before taking the world title with a 3-2
win against West Germany.
England and Argentina meet again Tuesday in a World Cup quarterfinals
match, this time in Saint-Etienne. The winner advances to meet the winner
of the Netherlands
-Yugoslavia
game. Maradona was expected in Saint-Etienne a few hours before the match.
Maradona, who retired last year at 37, scored his first goal that day
after 51 minutes on a controversial header that beat goalkeeper Peter
Shilon. The second came four minutes later on a sensational run from
midfield.
Gary Lineker scored the lone English goal in the 81st minute, winding up
as the tournament's scoring champion with six goals.
But what remains first and foremost from that tournament are Maradona's
goals, still sparking debate, still leaving fans shaking their heads.
The first one was a classic burst of timing and cunning. With the referee
too far away to get a clear view, Maradona raised his left hand as he leapt
up and for an instant ball, fist, and head made contact; Argentina led 1-0.
The roar of the crowd drowned Shilton's pleas and the tally stood.
"It was the hand of God," a smiling Maradona said later.
England's current head coach, Glenn Hoddle, was on the field that day as a
player.
"I'm convinced the Argentines would not have won 2-1 without that 'Hand of
God,'" Hoddle said. "It was a tight game until that handball which turned
the situation completely."
Even now, several replays are needed to determine the exact moment
Maradona pulled his sleight of hand. The enormous crowd and millions more
following the match on television were still arguing still when "Diego's
Wonder" befell the hapless English four minutes later.
It was as beautiful and electrifying a goal as has ever been seen in World
Cup play.
Taking the ball near midfield, the short and stocky Maradona dribbled past
English defenders left and right, heading straight for Shilton's goal.
The 'keeper ventured out to meet the blur of blue and white and black of
the Argentine's uniform, but with a twist of his waist Maradona left him
sprawled on the grass, the goalmouth wide open before him.
Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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