England 1966
Rating: 9/10
Champion: England
England won their first – and to date only – World Cup at home after defeating West Germany 4-2 in a dramatic final that included a controversial Geoff Hurst extra-time goal whose validity is questioned to this day. It was the last final broadcast in black and white.
Host: England
The English, who had invented and spread the game across the globe, were given hosting rights by FIFA after defeating West Germany and Spain.
Best player: Eusebio (Portugal)
Nicknamed the “Black Panther,” Eusebio was known for his speed and potent right foot. He put those skills on full display at England ’66, scoring nine goals at the tournament and leading Portugal to a third-place finish. His four goals against North Korea remain one of the best individual displays by any player at the World Cup level.
Iconic moment:
There were a few big moments at the tournament. North Korea’s shock 1-0 win against Italy remains among one of the biggest upsets of all time. In the final, with the score at 2–2 at the end of 90 minutes, Hurst’s shot in the 98th minute hit the crossbar and bounced down onto the goal line. The goal was awarded, although debate has raged over whether the ball crossed the line.
Quality of play:
This is a tournament where teams became more tactically astute and defensive displays the norm. The anti-football we see today was born in the late ’60s, dominated by the cynical catenaccio of the Italians that had worked so well for clubs such as Inter Milan. England’s 4-1-3-2 proved effective, although the team’s 11 goals in six games were evidence that this was a tournament where lots of goals weren’t needed to win games. A testament to that was the tournament average of just 2.78 goals a match.
Kits:
England’s home white and away red shirts, like the ones used in the final, remain stylish. Bulgaria’s all-white strip was bland and unimaginative.
Miscellaneous:
The Jules Rimet Trophy was stolen from a public display just three months before the start of the tournament. It was found under a hedge a week later by a dog named Pickles.