Decoding Eighteen Angles of 'Hand of God' - The Goal That Shook Soccer and Sparked Endless Debate

The "Hand of God" goal, a moment in soccer history that is as controversial as it is iconic, is a subject of endless debates and discussions. This event occurred during the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-final match between Argentina and England. The Argentine captain, Diego Maradona, scored the infamous goal with his left fist, which he later called the "Hand of God". This article aims to unravel the various angles of this historic event, providing a comprehensive understanding of the factors that led to it, its impact on the game, and the debates it sparked.

The Build-Up

The tension between Argentina and England was palpable even before the World Cup. The Falklands War, a conflict between the two nations, had ended just four years prior, and the political tension had inevitably seeped into the sports arena. The match was seen as a chance for both nations to assert their dominance, not just in soccer, but also on the world stage.