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 is the inside story of football’s 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 build‑up, fallout and cultural shockwaves of that quarter‑final, drawing on first‑hand 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 Maradona’s upbringing, genius and flaws, the shadow of the Falklands War, and England’s turbulent campaign behind closed doors. Told from every angle and drawing on Burhan’s 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 Maradona’s status as the game’s most controversial genius.