Maradona's goal against England, world cup game - first match up between the countries after the Malvinas or Faulklands war. Not only in that the "Little General" makes almost a whole team of purportedly world-class players look silly and inconsequential, but the wider geopolitical context in whicc the gola's scored - should make it in anyone's top 3 goals. Ever. On the idea that Maradona is indeed the best player that's ever lived, here's the criteria. Like Pele, Maradona dominated on the world stage. However, Pele could be stopped - basically by being kicked and brought down. Maradona's low, ball-bearing-like center of gravity, allowed him - time and time again - to stay on his feet and maintain forward momentum after being hacked at, thereby keeping play going and enjoying the 'advantage-rule' benefit. That is, the rule that referees can use at their discretion whereby they let play go on, despite the fowl - for if play were stopped, and even to give the fowled upon team the benefit of a free kick - the stoppage would let the offending team re-group and get players back and between placed ball and goal. His inability (largely) to be unstopped gives Maradona the edge over the great Pele. I'm glad that's settled.

Video providers : , and this video is stored with all copyright by