The 1966 FIFA World Cup came to a stunning climax in one of the tournament's most memorable finals. Eventually, hosts En…
The 1966 FIFA World Cup came to a stunning climax in one of the tournament's most memorable finals. Eventually, hosts England Football Team triumphed 4-2 over West Germany ( DFB-Team (Die Mannschaft) ), but not until after 120 minutes of drama and intrigue.
The West Germans took an early lead through Helmut Haller, before Geoff Hurst scored the first of a unique Final hat-trick. Martin Peters looked to have handed victory to the home side with 12 minutes to go, only for Wolfgang Weber to equalise with the last kick of the 90 minutes.
Extra time followed, as well as one of the World Cup's most infamous decisions. Hurst, striking on the turn, saw his effort cannon off the bar and to this day the debate continues as to whether the ball crossed the line. The linesman gave it and Hurst went on to complete his treble in the dying seconds and hand England their only triumph to date.
