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Famous FIFA World Cup Goals: Maradona’s “Goal of the Century”
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“Goal of the century”
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Famous FIFA World Cup Goals: Maradona’s “Goal of the Century”

Written by
Gitanjali Roy
Gitanjali Roy is deputy managing editor, Encyclopaedia Britannica. She has over two decades of editorial experience across digital and broadcast media.
Gitanjali Roy
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Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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History
“Goal of the century”
“Goal of the century”Argentina's Diego Maradona's second goal against England in the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal match was voted the “goal of the century.”

One match, two historic goals by Diego Maradona. The Argentine legend, captaining his side, scored twice in the quarterfinal match against England at the 1986 FIFA World Cup, giving Argentina a 2–1 victory. The opening goal was the infamous “hand of God,” but it was Maradona’s second—executed at the end of an 11-second dribble down the pitch—that was voted FIFA’s “goal of the century” by fans in 2002. Just four minutes after he had illegally used his hand to score, Maradona collected the ball in his own half and skipped past five English players during the course of a 60-yard (55-meter) run to deliver one of football’s immortal solo goals. Argentina eventually defeated West Germany 3–2 in the final. Maradona created the opportunity for Jorge Burruchaga to score the winning goal, giving Argentina its second World Cup title. (Watch Maradona’s legendary “goal of the century” here.)

Gitanjali Roy
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