The Other Side of the Hand of God – Inside the Most Notorious Match in World Cup History

The definitive story of the most famous – and infamous – match in World Cup history.

On 22 June 1986, Diego Maradona changed football forever. In four spellbinding minutes he scored the notorious "Hand of God" and the breathtaking "Goal of the Century", eliminating England from the World Cup and etching his name into sporting folklore.

Drawing on insight from players including Terry Butcher, John Barnes and Chris Waddle; broadcasters such as Martin Tyler and Barry Davies; photographers like Bob Thomas and Peter Robinson, and the journalists, producers and officials who lived it, The Other Side of the Hand of God reveals the full truth behind those moments: the pressure, the politics, the genius and the fury. From the shadow of the Falklands War to the suffocating heat of the Azteca, from England's fractious preparation to Argentina's inner sanctum, Asif Burhan pieces together the definitive account of a match that shaped nations.

Read and discover:

• How Maradona reached the peak of his powers – and why no one could stop him
• The stories of fans, officials, broadcasters and photographers who witnessed history
• The tension inside the England camp and the tactical dilemmas that defined the game
• The astonishing journey of the match-worn shirt that later sold for over £7m
• Why this game continues to haunt, inspire and divide football lovers around the world

For anyone fascinated by Maradona, Argentina, England or the mythology of Mexico '86, this is a gripping, essential read. Published in 2026.

Size: 161mm x 240mm – 304 pages.