'Hand of God' goal a mystery to Maradona
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Diego Maradona has revealed that he is unsure exactly how he managed to score his famous "Hand of God" goal against England in the 1986 World Cup - and that he was upset not to be invited to Peter Shilton's testimonial.
Extracts from his authorised biography, I am Diego, are being published in the Spanish press. His description of the goal he scored with his hand against England reads: "I don't know how I jumped so high. I raised my left fist and moved my head backwards. Shilton had no idea what was happening and it was Fenwick, who was heading back towards goal, who was the first to call for a hand ball."
He recounts how his team-mate Jorge Valdano told him to keep quiet: "All the English were protesting to the referee and Valdano, who had passed me the ball, put his finger to his mouth, saying 'ssshhh' as if he were a nurse in a hospital."
Maradona insists that his second goal, when he dribbled the ball from his own half before rounding Shilton, was the best of his career. He also says that the Falklands War was still in the minds of the Argentinian team. "We knew that many young Argentines had died there, and that they had been killed like flies," he said.
Maradona, 39, also names his 100 greatest players. He includes Pele, Johan Cruyff, George Best. Maradona also includes Shilton as one of the few goalkeepers in his list, although he says he was disappointed at not being invited to Shilton's testimonial match.
Spain
The often tempestuous nature of Spanish football was underlined at the weekend by two outbreaks of violence. Players of the Third Division side Xerez were attacked by rival fans at the end of an Andalucian derby against San Fernando. The Xerez goalkeeper, Ramon, was thrown to the ground and kicked when fans invaded the pitch after their team had won 1-0 on Sunday evening. He received treatment for cuts and bruises. On the same night, the president of another Third Division side, Cadiz, was assaulted - by fans of his own club. Rafael Mateo was kicked to the ground before a game against Guadix.
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