Fans watching England’s huge World Cup game with Mexico will no doubt be hearing the term ‘The Hand of God’ quite often.
Now, for supporters who aren’t accustomed to the term, it might sound a little strange.
Indeed, this was an event that happened 40 years ago during England’s 1986 World Cup quarter-final against Argentina.
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Still, the fact it happened inside the iconic Estadio Azteca will no doubt see it brought up. It is simply too traumatic an event for England and too iconic a World Cup moment not to be discussed.
Here’s everything you need to know.
‘The Hand Of God’ refers to Diego Maradona’s handball goal against England
The last time England played at the stadium – which is currently known as the Mexico City Stadium due to FIFA branding rules – they lost to Argentina in a quarter-final.
That, however, does not tell the whole story.
With six minutes gone in the second half, Argentina forward Diego Maradona contested a looping ball with England goalkeeper Peter Shilton.
Despite Shilton boasting the height advantage, Maradona pushed the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper by using his fist, which was raised close to his head.
Maradona, perhaps the most iconic player in World Cup history both for that and the brilliant goal he scored four minutes later, wheeled away in celebration while the England players remonstrated with referee Ali Bin Nasser.
The term itself comes from an answer that Maradona himself gave when asked about the handball. Addressing whether he had broken soccer’s rules to score the goal, he said: “[The goal was scored] a little bit with my head and a little bit with the hand of God.”
England did manage to pull a goal back through Gary Lineker in the 81st minute but they could not find another, leading to perhaps the most controversial exit in World Cup history.
The Three Lions will no doubt be hoping that their return to the Azteca does not end in such heartbreak.
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