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June 21, 2006
Retrohump Day - "Hand of God" World Cup Special
The entire world is officially caught up in world cup fever. Non-soccer fans in America, or those far from ethnic enclaves, are most likely ignorant of the fervor that is currently powering the spin of earth’s axis. Merry Swankster’s soccer passion is blessedly enabled by an accessible TV set during my day stints (re: full time job).
The tournament bonds citizens of participating nations to television sets as all civic activity halts at kickoffs during the month long cup. Schools close, businesses shutter their doors and governments declare national holidays. For ninety minutes the abandoned streets resemble ghost towns, livened only by the exuberance of victory. 
Celebrations replace the rolling tumbleweeds as cities burst into spontaneous carnivals of joy.
Diego Armando Maradona, arguably (by very few) the best soccer player in history is an Argentine phenom lifted to de facto sainthood in that country. Ask any Argentine (or knowledgeable soccer fan) about Maradona and watch him garrulously emit praise in heaping helpings.
Maradona led Argentina to a world cup title at the Mexico hosted world cup in 1986. His two goals against England in the quarterfinal match are two of the most memorable scores in the history of soccer. Both nettings are legendary, but the first is the most infamous of them all. Apologies in advance to our English readers for this scratching of a scab never healed.
Maradona - Hand of God Goal (Argentina v. England - Mexico '86)
Ask a thief if he considers himself a criminal and he may answer, “Only when I get caught.” What the referee doesn’t see, the referee doesn’t see. Soccer elevates this into a dramatic art form with theatrical falls to draw fouls, jersey grabbing and (at least in this case) most famously, the use of a player’s hand as facilitating guide for miracle goals. The player is Maradona. When asked about his “assistance” Diego stated, “A little of the hand of God, and a little of the head of Maradona.” The English side was incredulous, but the magnificent goal that followed was so incredible they may as well count it twice.
Maradona 2nd Goal (Argentina v. England - Mexico '86)
Maradona runs around at least five England defenders and the keeper while sprinting from midfield to score a gorgeous goal without the assistance of a pass. The announcer justifiably loses his shit while announcing the goal and praises God for both sport and player.
”Gracias Dios! Por el futbol! por Maradona, por estas lagrimas!”-- -- --
”Thank you God! For soccer! For Maradona, for these tears!”
Live from Mexico, the 1986 cup was the Maradona show. Argentina would go on to win the title and be crowned world champions.
I heard this song all the time during my last trip to South America in 2000. I do not know much about Rodrigo outside of this boxing-themed live performance of his ode to Maradona. This concert was around the same time that Maradona was battling a debilitating addiction to cocaine so I guess the boxing ring is a kitschy symbolic gesture. The religious undertone in Rodrigo's otherwise campy setting is not to be overlooked. Like a minister leading the flock, the Argentine faithful bestow love to their hero in a "Mano de Dios" sermon that serves both young and old, allowing everyone the opportunity to cheer a past they either missed, or want to relive. "Maradoo, Maradoo!"
Maradona's story bends towards tragedy as of late, revolving on the severe aspects of drug, health and weight problems, but his story is powerful, inspiring, and one of legitimate greatness. You can't fault devotees on their rose colored view of the guy, but like Rodrigo sings:
"Y todo el pueblo canto: “Maradoo, Maradoo”/pego alegria en el pueblo,/rego de Gloria este suelo."
English:
"And the people sang: 'Maradoo, Maradoo'/gave joy to the people,/brought glory to this land"
Follow the jump for more messianic lyrics (with English translation) and more amazing footwork from Maradona.
Tragically, in June of 2000 Rodrigo was killed in a car accident en route to a family holiday.
[MP3] Rodrigo - La Mano de Dios (Maradona)
More examples of Maradona songs from his club days at Italy’s Napoli can be found here. Songs from Argentina and club team Boca Juniors are here.
Tags: Maradona, World Cup, Argentina, Hand of God, Rodrigo
Rodrigo - "La mano de Dios"lyrics
En una villa nació, fue deseo de Dios,
crecer y sobrevivir a la humilde expresión
de enfrentar la adversidad
con afán de ganarse a cada paso la vida.
(In a villa he was born, it was God’s will)
to grow and survive in a humble expression
to confront adversity
with eagerness to win at each step in life.)
En un potrero forjó una zurda inmortal
con experiencia sedienta ambición de llegar.
De cebollita soñaba con jugar un Mundial
y consagrarse en Primera.
Tal vez jugando pudiera a su familia ayudar...
(In the play fields he forged an immortal left
With experience and ambition thirsts to make it.
From cebollita he dreamed of playing in a world cup
And devote himself to first [champion].
Perhaps by playing, his family he could help.)
A poco que debuto “Maradoo, Maradoo”
la Doce fue quen coreo “Maradoo, Maradoo”
el sueno tenia una estrella llena de gol y gambetas
(At barely his debut, “Maradoo, Maradoo”
the Doce [Boca Fans] was who ran “Maradoo, Maradoo”
the dream had stars full of goals and [evasive moves])
Y todo el pueblo canto: “Maradoo, Maradoo”
pego alegria en el pueblo,
rego de Gloria este suelo.
(And the people sang: “Maradoo, Maradoo”
gave joy to the people,
brought glory to this land)
Cargo una cruz en los hombros por ser el major,
Por no venderse jamas al poder enfrento.
Curiosa debilidad, se Jesus tropezo,
Porque el no habria de hacerlo?
(Bearing a cross on his shoulders for being the best,
for not selling himself never he was able to face
Peculiar weakness, if Jesus fell,
Why could he not too?)
La fama le presentó una blanca mujer
de misterioso sabor y prohibido placer,
deseo de sanar otra vez involucrando su vida.
Y es un partido que un día el Diego está por ganar...
(Fame presented him a white woman
of mysterious taste and prohibited pleasure,
I wish him to heal again referencing His life.
It’s a game that someday Diego is going to win…)
Maradona midfield goal
“No lo puedo creer!” (“I just can't believe it!”) shouts the Argentine announcer upon seeing Maradona score from midfield with a bomb straight into the net mere seconds after the whistle is blown.
Posted by Merry Swankster at June 21, 2006 09:47 AM
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Comments
Once again, MS proves to be master of the YouTube Archives. Look out, though, Pitchfork is making a move on you.
But on to futbol. As a red blooded American I'm often forced to defend my allegience to the beautiful game against the opinions of those who don't consider it a "real" sport. Namely, arguments fall under three easily recognizable categories: 1. it wasn't made in American, 2. not enough scoring, 3. the players fake falling down to get calls.
This is your website, not mine, so I'll only address #3 now: every sport has fakers and complainers. Baseball has phantom tags, stolen bases and catchers "framing" off-target pitches. 90% of the NBA complains when they don't get the foul call and act completely verplunked when they are called for one. The NFL has had so much complaining about calls that it actually gave the coaches the power to challege an official ruling.
But of course, arguing the merits of soccer with someone who donsn't like it is akin to arguing about evolution with a creationist. In spite of reasonable factual evidence to back up your point, you can't make a dent in the argument.
Posted by: Randall at June 21, 2006 12:22 PM
I guess the only things that compare are drawing offensive fouls in the NBA by diving and WR's "tripping" or "falling" when beat on a pass to get the interference call. I hear what your saying though, but people who use this part of the game as a reason to question soccer simply don't like the game and this is their excuse.
Posted by: Sebastian at June 21, 2006 03:29 PM
Um, let's not forget the "flopping" in the NBA. Vlade?? Anyone? He who speaks to soccer not being a sport never played. Why is it... that, if you toss a ball back forth with your hands it's considered a sport but, if you kick the ball back and forth (much more challenging) it's not!? I played baseball, basketball, football, soccer, and wreslted. Trust me... it's a sport.
Now, Maradona. He's a living legend. Not the greatest ever but, definitely the best player his country has ever seen. We might just be seeing the next coming during this world cup. Stay tuned for Lionel Messi
Posted by: Joshua at June 23, 2006 02:25 AM
Nada mas quiero decir que esta pagina es una de las mejores do el grande Maradona. Los mejores momentos e La Mano de Dios, ?que mas puedo pedir?
!!!Viva el Boca y el Atlas!!!
Posted by: Christopher at June 29, 2006 09:22 AM
Many thanks for the site -- and the translation. Great song!
Posted by: peter at April 12, 2008 03:11 PM
