Peru Knocks Brazil Out Of Copa America On Controversial ‘Hand of Cod’ Goal

FOXBORO, Mass. — In honor of New England, we dub this Raul Ruidiaz goal “the hand of cod.”

Ruidiaz used his hand to score the game-winning goal in Peru’s 1-0 Copa America 2016 victory over Brazil on Sunday at Gillette Stadium. The Peru substitute forward knocked Andy Polo’s cross past Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker with his hand in the 75th minute, but referee Andres Cunha and his assistant failed to see his transgression, despite Brazil’s vigorous protests.

After a lengthy period of deliberation, the controversial goal stood.

A look at Raul Ruidiaz's goal that has Brazil on the brink of crashing out of #CopaAmerica. #BRAvPER #MyCopaColors https://t.co/dlcsDhiq7c

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 13, 2016

Peru overtook Brazil in the Group B standings with the win and knocked the South American giant out of Copa America 2016. It’s the first time since 1987 that Brazil suffered elimination from Copa America in the group stage.

Ruidiaz might never become an all-time great like Diego Maradona, but at least they have one soccer thing in common.