Argentine great Diego Maradona, who scored one of the most infamous goals in World Cup history, died of a heart attack at age 60 today in Tiegre, Argentina. Jere Longman has an extensive obituary in the New York Times.
Maradona ruled the 1986 World Cup in Mexico City, won by Argentina. In the quarterfinal against England he broke a scoreless tie in the 51st minute by intercepting a pass in the air to British keep Peter Shilton and heading it - or so it seemed - into the net. Turns out he fisted it into the net and somehow the referee did not see it.
According to Longman, "Maradona later gave conflicting accounts of what had happened. At first he said he had never touched the ball with his fist; then he said he had done so accidentally; then he attributed the goal to divine intervention, to 'the hand of God.' " Four minutes later he dribbled some 70 yards and scored what proved to be the game winner.
In 2000 FIFA voted Maradona and Pele the two greatest players. Unlike Pele, Maradona had a long history of drug addiction. In 1991 he was given a 15-month suspension for a positive cocaine test. His behavior became erratic, it was said. In 1994 he was kicked out of the World Cup in the United States after testing positive for various stimulants.
Health issues included alcohol abuse, treatment for a weakened heart and psychiatric treatment. He was the father of eight children, including three while he was in Cuba treating for drug addiction.
Argentina has declared three days of mourning.
