25 Years Ago Today: Diego Maradona's Hand of God Goal
By Jason McIntyre
June 22, 1986 will forever be a day of infamy in England’s storied soccer history: In the World Cup quarterfinals, this goal by Argentina’s Diego Maradona – referred to as the “Hand of God” goal – was allowed by referees, and England was eliminated. It’s probably the most famous goal in World Cup soccer history, and if it isn’t No. 1, it’s certainly in the top three.
As Bob Ley noted this morning, England – which won the Cup in 1966 – has never quite bounced back from that historic loss.
1990 World Cup: England lost in the semifinals to West Germany in a shootout. Also remembered as the time Paul Gascogine wept.
1994 World Cup: England didn’t even quality.
1998 World Cup: Lost in the Round of 16 to Argentina in penalty kicks in a phenomenal game. England lost Beckham to a red card early in the second half.
2002 World Cup: Lost to Brazil 2-1 in the quarterfinals.
2006 World Cup: England lost to Portugal in penalty kicks in the quarterfinals. Wayne Rooney received a red card early in the second half.
2010 World Cup: Destroyed in the round of 16 by Germany, 4-1.