England 1966
Overview:The football World Cup returned to the country that invented the game- England. The hosts opened their campaign with a goalless draw versus Uruguay. Portugal ended Brazil’s dream run after Eusebio scored twice in a 3-1 win in the group stages. The surprise package was North Korea though. After sending Italy packing, North Korea went 3-0 up against Portugal in the quarters. But Eusebio saved the day, knocking four goals to take Portugal to the semis. They met England, who just edged past Argentina in an ill-tempered game. England’s Nobby Stiles kept a close eye on the prolific Eusebio as Bobby Charlton’s brace helped England win 2-1. Their opponents in the final were traditional rivals- West Germany. 20-year old, Beckenbauer beat the great Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin in their 2-1 semi-final win over the Soviet Union. The final went into extra-time after a 89th minute equaliser from German, Wolfgang Weber made it 2-2. In extra-time Geoff Hurts scored two, out of which the first one was controversial, to see captain Booby Moore lift the big prize for the first and only time in England’s history.
 |
| © AP Images |
Winners: England
Runners-Up: West Germany
Golden Boot: Eusebio