Maradona’s Hand of God: Why It Happened
The 1986 FIFA World Cup semifinal between Argentina and England remains one of the most controversial moments in football history. In the 51st minute, Diego Maradona punched the ball into the net with his hand, a goal that would later be dubbed the “Hand of God.” The decision to award the goal, the context of the match, and the reactions from players and officials all contribute to understanding why this moment unfolded the way it did.
The Match Setting: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
On 29 June 1986, the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City hosted the clash. Argentina was already the reigning world champion, while England was striving to secure their first World Cup since 1966. The atmosphere was electric, and both teams were under intense scrutiny. The stakes were high: a win would mean a place in the final, while a loss would end England’s campaign.
How the Goal Occurred
- Build‑up Play: Argentina’s attack moved from the right side, with Maradona receiving the ball in the penalty area.
- The Hand: Maradona’s left hand reached for the ball as it was heading toward the net. The ball hit the hand and flew into the goal.
- The Decision: Referee Ali Bin Nasser, a Tunisian official, judged that the hand was not a clear infringement and awarded the goal.
The referee’s choice was not made in isolation. The pressure of the moment, the speed of the play, and the visual angle all played a role. Bin Nasser later explained that he had “no option but to award the first goal” because the ball had entered the net, and he could not see the hand clearly.
Why the Referee Made the Call
According to Bin Nasser’s own account, the decision was driven by the difficulty of seeing the hand in the fast‑moving action. He stated that the ball had gone into the goal before he could judge the hand as an infringement. The referee’s statement reflects the challenges officials face when judging close calls in real time.
