1. Diego Maradona v England: Quarter final, Mexico 1986
Unquestionably the greatest goal ever scored in a World Cup.This was the match and the goal that defined the greatness of Diego Maradona. It coming just minutes after his now infamous “hand of god” goal, Maradona received the ball inside his own half following a pass from Hector Enrique. Maradona ran from his own half, beating every English player who stood in his way and finished it off past a helpless Peter Shilton.
With a deft drag back and then a flick he turned away from Peter Beardsley and Steve Hodge and set off on his run. Maradona’s quick acceleration took him away from Peter Reid as he surged into the England half. Two side steps took him past the challenges of Terry Butcher and Terry Fenwick as the diminutive Argentine glided into the box. As goalkeeper Peter Shilton rushed from his goal, Maradona rolled the ball past the England number one and under a challenge from Butcher slotted the ball home before racing to the corner flag in celebration. It was, quite simply, the most beautiful piece of football from one of the greatest to have played the beautiful game.
. Diego Maradona v England: Quarter final, Mexico 1986
