11 Classic FIFA World Cup Matches
6. England Vs. Argentina (1986, Quarter Final)
The 1986 quarter final between England and Argentina was a fairly hostile game played out with an air of residual tension four years after the Falklands War. The game wasn't especially high-scoring, but included one of the greatest goals ever scored in the World Cup. The player who scored that goal, however, cheated his team to victory.
The first half passed goalless, but Diego Maradona was on hand - literally - to win the match for Argentina in the space of five minutes shortly after the interval. His first goal became the stuff of footballing infamy, as he jumped up and handled a botched England clearance within the penalty box over the rising Shilton. It was a clear hand ball, but the referee still gave the goal to the disbelief of England. Tongue firmly in cheek, the diminutive Argentine later credited the goal to the "hand of God."
Minutes later, the pint-sized wizard got the ball just within Argentina's half, then proceeded to dribble around most of England's hapless team to score a legitimate wonder game. The game wasn't entirely over as England pulled one back with about 10 minutes to go, but Argentina held out for a 2-1 victory.