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QUICK FACT: The Hand of God

March 31, 2010 | The Beautiful Game | No Comments

Did you know that Diego Maradona of Argentina infamously scored with his hand? In the 1986 quarter final against England, Maradona jumped in the air along with English goalkeeper Peter Shilton and punched the ball into the net. Neither the linesmen nor the referee noticed! Maradona referred to it as the “hand of God”.

QUICK FACT: First World Cup Final Penalty Shot

March 29, 2010 | The Beautiful Game | No Comments

Did you know that the first penalty shot in a World Cup Final was in 1974? The famous Cruyff of Holland was fouled in the box by Hoeness of West Germany. In the end however, West Germany won 2-1.

QUICK FACT: Uruguay

March 26, 2010 | The Beautiful Game | No Comments

Did you know that Uruguay are the only World Cup winners in history not to defend their title? Winners and hosts of the 1930 World Cup, they were upset that so few European countries attended the tournament. So they refused to attend the 1934 World Cup held in Italy.

QUICK FACT: Just Fontaine

March 17, 2010 | The Beautiful Game | No Comments

Did you know that Just Fontaine has the record for the most goals in a World Cup tournament? With a total of 13 goals in the 1958 World Cup tournament for France, it is a record that has yet to be broken. He is also the second player to score at least one goal in every game of the World Cup tournament.