Definition of Goal of the Century

Diego Maradona played in one of the most famous matches of football that was ever played. The 1986 World Cup quarter final between Argentina and England showed the world Maradona's brilliance and his determination to win. Not only was the infamous "Hand of God" scored that day, but he also scored what would become known as the "Goal of the Century".

Maradona was passed the ball inside his own half, before he turned and charged at the English defence. He passed by 4 English outfield players before dribbling past the English goalkeeper and slotting it home. The players that he dribbled past were Peter Beardsley, Peter Reid, Terry Butcher (twice) and Terry Fenwick. The goalkeeper of the day was Peter Shilton.

The goal was named "Goal of the Century" in a vote that led up to the 2002 World Cup. While Maradona's "Hand of God" incident gets a lot of focus in England, his second goal is widely applauded everywhere. A statue was built outside the Estadio Azteca (where the goal took place) to commemorate it.

Looking back on it, one wonders why none of the English players just hacked Maradona down before he could pull off such a brilliant maneuver. Maradona actually praised the English for not doing that later, saying that "I don't think I could have done it against any other team because they all used to knock you down; they are probably the noblest in the world".

There have been many great goals scored over the years. However, none will replace Diego Armando Maradona's as the Goal of the Century.