My daughter has just sent me this press release - it still rankles a little after all this time!!
Hand of God Returns
Today, Friday 7th September, it is announced that on 14th October 2007, Villa Park will play host to the re-match of one of the most talked about games in World Cup history. England vs. Argentina and the teams of ’86.
The two sides from the 1986 World Cup will line up against each other once again marking the 21st Anniversary of the infamous “Hand of God” match in what is set to be an explosive re-match. With Maradona and the rest of the Argentinean team out to prove that there’s no luck needed it will give the England players a chance to avenge their crushing defeat of ’86.
In a game which saw Diego Maradona score two of the most watched and talked about goals ever, passions still run very high among both sets of players. For the Argentineans, the eventual winners, it’s a chance to show, once again why they went on to be crowned World champions and for England it’s a chance, of course, to get one over on their adversaries and to ensure that Maradona keeps his hands to himself!
For England legends such as Reid, Robson and Wilkins it’s a chance to even the score and to do it in front of a packed crowd here in England.
Peter Reid has said “It’s one of those games that’s talked about so much and meant so much that it’s impossible to forget how devastating it was to lose and to lose to one absolutely amazing goal but also to one which was, let’s say, a little dubious! This is our chance to show what we can do and get a little bit of revenge. They’ve said they’re coming to play and that’s fine by us, we’re going out to win – no question.”
Maradona has said “It’s a game I still treasure to this day. For the rest of the team and I it was very special and was a great victory on the way to winning the World Cup. Everyone talks about the “hand of God” from this match, it was a bit of mischief, the goalkeeper had the advantage of grabbing with his hands. It was too high for me and I stuck out my fist. After the goal I was waiting for my team-mates to embrace me and no one came. I told them, come hug me or the referee isn't going to allow it. This time we will come to England there will be no mischief, only great goals. For us this is very serious, we are coming to win.”
Hand of God Returns
Today, Friday 7th September, it is announced that on 14th October 2007, Villa Park will play host to the re-match of one of the most talked about games in World Cup history. England vs. Argentina and the teams of ’86.
The two sides from the 1986 World Cup will line up against each other once again marking the 21st Anniversary of the infamous “Hand of God” match in what is set to be an explosive re-match. With Maradona and the rest of the Argentinean team out to prove that there’s no luck needed it will give the England players a chance to avenge their crushing defeat of ’86.
In a game which saw Diego Maradona score two of the most watched and talked about goals ever, passions still run very high among both sets of players. For the Argentineans, the eventual winners, it’s a chance to show, once again why they went on to be crowned World champions and for England it’s a chance, of course, to get one over on their adversaries and to ensure that Maradona keeps his hands to himself!
For England legends such as Reid, Robson and Wilkins it’s a chance to even the score and to do it in front of a packed crowd here in England.
Peter Reid has said “It’s one of those games that’s talked about so much and meant so much that it’s impossible to forget how devastating it was to lose and to lose to one absolutely amazing goal but also to one which was, let’s say, a little dubious! This is our chance to show what we can do and get a little bit of revenge. They’ve said they’re coming to play and that’s fine by us, we’re going out to win – no question.”
Maradona has said “It’s a game I still treasure to this day. For the rest of the team and I it was very special and was a great victory on the way to winning the World Cup. Everyone talks about the “hand of God” from this match, it was a bit of mischief, the goalkeeper had the advantage of grabbing with his hands. It was too high for me and I stuck out my fist. After the goal I was waiting for my team-mates to embrace me and no one came. I told them, come hug me or the referee isn't going to allow it. This time we will come to England there will be no mischief, only great goals. For us this is very serious, we are coming to win.”