The Other Side of the Hand of God

Inside the Most Notorious Match in World Cup History

The Other Side of the Hand of God reveals the story behind the defining four minutes of Mexico 86, when Maradona scored the Hand of God and the Goal of the Century. Asif Burhan uncovers the drama, context and human stories behind Argentina v Englands most famous match, showing how it reshaped football history forever, truly.

The Other Side of the Hand of God is the inside story of footballs most mythologised match. On 22 June 1986, before 114,580 fans at the Estadio Azteca, Diego Maradona scored two unforgettable goals against England one illegal, one immortal redefining the 1986 World Cup and the modern game. For Argentina it was redemption; for England, devastation; for football, lasting change. Asif Burhan traces the buildup, fallout and cultural shockwaves of that quarterfinal, drawing on firsthand insight from players including Terry Butcher, John Barnes and Chris Waddle, broadcasters Martin Tyler and Barry Davies, and the photographers, journalists and officials who witnessed history. He explores Maradonas upbringing, genius and flaws, the shadow of the Falklands War, and Englands turbulent campaign behind closed doors. Told from every angle and drawing on Burhans meticulous research, The Other Side of the Hand of God is the definitive account of how four minutes in Mexico forged a legend, reshaped two nations footballing futures and sealed Maradonas status as the games most controversial genius.