England hoping God has no hand in this

British say karma on their side vs. Mexico after legendary loss at Azteca 40 years ago.

- BY EDUARD CAUICH

LUKE HALES Getty Images MEXICO players celebrate after beating Ecuador at Azteca Stadium on June 30.

England famously found itself on the wrong side of World Cup history at Azteca Stadium, surrendering DiMaradona's ego iconic "Hand of God" goal and another strike known as the tournament's "most beautiful goal." Maradona and eventual champion Argentina eliminated England 2-1 in the quarterfinals of the 1986 World Cup, leaving the Brits to stew over their link to a soccer legend.

England will return to Azteca Stadium on Sunday to take on World Cup co-host Mexico in a round-of-16 match kicking off at 5 p.m. PDT and airing on Fox and Telemundo.

England coach Thomas Tuchel said during interviews before their departure for Mexico that this will be a way to "make amends" with the stadium that hosted a Maradona punched in with his fist, and "karma will come back for us." goal "It's one of the most beautiful, most exciting matchups you can have playing Mexico at the Azteca," Tuchel said during a news conference after defeating the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the round of 32.

But the road to Azteca Stadium hasn't been easy for England.

England enters this matchup after a hard-fought victory over Congo. The African team took the lead and had chances to extend it, but ultimately paid dearly for squandering those opportunities. Top England scorer Harry Kane stepped up with two decisive goals that helped his team advance. It was England's first World Cup victory after trailing 1-0 since the 1966 final, which the English team won as a tournament host.

The English not only have to contend with the ghost of Maradona's two goals, but also the altitude in Mexico City, which is about 7,350 feet above sea level.