A football player’s career can at times be condensed and often, encapsulated in one defining moment; a moment of sheer brilliance, or absolute madness. Great players often go down in history books having conjured moments like these a few times in their career, a career which spans a decade or two. Of the most prominent ones attributed to him, Diego Maradona had two. In the same game. Two moments in the same game which made him eternal in the eyes of football aficionados.
“half-angel, half-devil” – L’Equipe on Maradona after the quarter final vs England
Madness, quite clearly, was what Maradona did for Argentina’s first goal. It started with a driving run from midfield, Maradona went past two players, passing the ball to Jorge Valdano, and continued his run in the hope of a return ball. The pass was slightly wayward and it found England’s left midfielder, Steve Hodge’s awkward clearance which flighted the ball towards goal and Maradona’s hopeful run conjured an opportunity to give Argentina the lead. Maradona leapt into the air to challenge the rushing keeper Peter Shilton, and a divine intervention helped him score one of the most disputed goals ever scored.
“un poco con la cabeza de Maradona y otro poco con la mano de Dios”
“a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God”