'Hand of God': Argentina-England semifinal renews one of the World Cup’s fiercest rivalries
Kansas City’s two remaining World Cup teams are set to face off again, continuing a rivalry marked by controversy, politics, and one of soccer’s most famous goals.
Argentina and England will play each other on Wednesday in Atlanta, with a spot in the World Cup final on the line.
For Kansas City fans, this means one of the teams that stayed in the metro area during the tournament will compete for the championship.
This matchup also reminds fans of the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal, a game forever known for Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God.”
What was the “Hand of God” goal?
Argentina and England played on June 22, 1986, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Early in the second half, Maradona jumped alongside England goalkeeper Peter Shilton and used his left hand to knock the ball into the net. The officials missed the handball and let the goal count.
Maradona later said the goal was scored partly with his head and partly with “the hand of God,” which is how the moment got its famous nickname.
Just four minutes later, Maradona scored again, this time a goal remembered for its skill, not controversy. He dribbled past several England defenders and scored what would become known as the “Goal of the Century.”
Argentina won the match 2-1 and went on to claim their second World Cup title.
Why the rivalry goes beyond one goal
The rivalry actually began long before 1986.
England defeated Argentina 1-0 in a heated 1966 World Cup quarterfinal at Wembley.
Argentina captain Antonio Rattín was sent off and initially refused to leave the field, sparking a confrontation that intensified the rivalry.
The confusion over his ejection also played a part in FIFA’s later decision to introduce yellow and red cards.
The 1986 match was even more emotional, coming just four years after the Falklands War between Argentina and the United Kingdom.
The rivalry kept going in later World Cups.
In 1998, England’s David Beckham was sent off in a Round of 16 match that Argentina eventually won on penalties.
Four years later, Beckham scored a penalty as England beat Argentina 1-0 in the group stage, giving him some redemption.
The two teams haven’t faced each other since 2005.
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