comme
28 Mar 2006, 03:27 PM
England 1966
In 1966 football finally “came home” as England the game’s inventors were awarded hosting rights for the world’s greatest tournament. For all the British nations’ previous disputes with FIFA, few could dispute that the time was overdue for England to host.
Perhaps naturally as hosts England were well fancied by many commentators. The side was based around a superb spine of Banks, Moore, Charlton and Greaves, 4 truly world class players who would be envied by all. Banks had made his debut 3 years earlier against Brazil at Wembley, and had emerged both with his club Leicester City and England, as a truly outstanding keeper, capable of some sensational saves. Moore at the back was as calm and assured as ever, and he had led his club side to victory in Wembley cup finals the previous two years; an omen perhaps? In the build up to the World Cup there were some doubts about Moore’s position, not just as captain, but also in the starting eleven as it was thought Alf Ramsay, the England manager, might prefer Leeds United’s Norman Hunter to play alongside his club colleague Jackie Charlton. Jackie’s brother Bobby had emerged with Manchester United to be one of the world’s leading lights. He had been moved from outside left to a more central role, which suited his phenomenal shooting from distance and raking long passes. Greaves had proved himself to be arguably the game’s most lethal striker, scoring for fun both with club and country. However, the prior season had not been an ideal build up for the biggest event of his career. Greaves had been hit with jaundice which had ruled him out for much of the season and led to him failing to score 20 league goals for the first time in his career. In the build up to the World Cup though he had looked back to something near his best as he scored 4 times against Norway.
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Brazil were most neutrals’ tips to retain their trophy and extend the winning run to a remarkable three World Cups. Foremost among the reasons to be cheerful was the return of Pele, who had been so tragically injured in Chile 4 years earlier. Now 25 Pele had matured still further, and he was nearing his natural peak. If Pele could stay fit, it was believed that few teams could possibly live with the Brazilians. However, there were some possible issues within the squad. Most notably the side had something of an issue with age, with a number of players too old and others too young. Achieving the perfect blend of youth and experience would be a vital task for Vicente Feola.
The Portuguese brought with them a strong contingent centred on a core of players from Benfica. Perhaps the foremost of them was Eusebio, the “Black Panther”, who had strength, speed and guile and who woulod prove to be one of the leading lights of the 1966 World Cup. Around him in attack were Antonio Simoes, Jose Augusto and JoseTorres all clubmates of Eusebio at Benfica, and who meshed superbly together. In midfield was Mario Coluna, a terrific leader of the team and a tremendous deep lying passer who could carve open defences for his more forward thinking team-mates. They had been drawn in what appeared to be the toughest group alongside Brazil, and a strong side from Hungary whose orchestra was conduced by Florian Albert.
Italy had reason to be cheerful, their club teams had won 3 of the past 4 European Cups and they certainly had the players to perform well. In attack they had the two fabulous creatives minds of Sandro Mazzola and Gianni Rivera, while at the back Burgnich and Facchetti were a match for anyone.
In the event there was almost no trophy to be won as the original Jules Rimet trophy was stolen from an exhibition at Central Hall in Westminster. The FA, who had promised its safekeeping while FIFA has been reluctant to let the exhibition go ahead, were left with egg on their face. However, after attempts to catch the culprits had led only to dead ends they were helped by an unlikely hero. That hero was Pickles, a two year old mongrel, who unearthed the famous trophy while being walked in Beulah Hill. Thus the blushes of the FA were saved and the world’s greatest tournament had its trophy back.
Group A
For all the hopes of the home nation England made a less than encouraging start in their opening encounter with Uruguay. Uruguay set out to to stifle England by playing a particularly cautious game, and for some reason England showed little urgency of their own.While some felt that Ondino Viera, the Uruguyan coach might have utilised the talents of Pedro Rocha, with a more expansive approach it was in truth up to England to make the running and in that department they sold their supporters short. Mazurkiewicz in the Uruguayan goal and his English counterpart Gordon Banks had a relatively quiet day at the office, and so the game ended in stalemate.
Two days later, again at Wembley, the group’s other two teams Mexico and France also opened with a draw. Enrique Borja opened the scoring for the Mexicans shortly before half time with a header, but the French drew level after the break via Gerard Hausser. In truth it was a real blow to France’s hopes, knowing that they still had to face the group’s two strongest teams, but they had not done enough and deserved no more than a point.
At White City, France’s campaign effectively came to an end as they went down 2-1 to Uruguay. The French had themselves taken the lead through Hector de Bourgoing after 15 minutes via the penalty spot. Pedro Rocha netted on 27 minutes to level and it was 2:1 shortly after when Julio Cortés scored for the Uruguyans. The French could not find a goal themselves though and they left themselves needing to beat England in their final game to stand any chance of progress.
After their poor display against Uruguay England sought to make amends against the Mexicans. They didn’t find the going easy though, as Mexico mirrored the tactics used by their Latin cousins Uruguay, by attempting to defend with numbers throughout. Eventually late on in the first half Bobby Charlton managed to break the dead lock with a powerful right footed drive. In the second half Roger Hunt added a second for England when he followed up from Calderon’s save of a Jimmy Greaves shot. The Mexicans lacked any real invention of their own and two goals was always going to be asking too much from them. As it was England had hardly set the world on fire, but they had done enough and their campaign was back on track.
The Mexicans saw their negative tactics rebound against them in their final group game against Uruguay. The Uruguyans knew that a draw would be enough to guarentee their progression and they were quite happy to defend with numbers and to use cynical tactics to snuff out what few attacks the Mexicans did offer. It was to Antonio Carbajal’s final World Cup game in his 5th finals, perhaps it was a blessing that he managed to keep a clean sheet. His attacking team-mates though were not able to break the deadlock and so Uruguay got the point they so desired.
England’s final match was against the French at Wembley and it saw them still in sluggish form. They owed their victory to two headed goals from Roger Hunt, either side of half time, but they masked what was yet another average performance. The French were sorely lacking players such as Kopa, Fontaine and Jonquet who had made them such a force in the 1950s. Perhaps the game was most notable for an injury sustained by Jimmy Greaves which saw him ruled out of England’s first knockout game. England’s progress came at a price.
20-JUL-66 LONDON England:France
2:0 (1:0) Wembley
19-JUL-66 LONDON Uruguay:Mexico
0:0 Wembley
16-JUL-66 LONDON England:Mexico
2:0 (1:0) Wembley
15-JUL-66 LONDON Uruguay:France
2:1 (2:1) White City
13-JUL-66 LONDON France:Mexico
1:1 (0:0) Wembley
11-JUL-66 LONDON England:Uruguay
0:0 Wembley
Group B
The W Germans faced Switzerland in their opening game and they began with a rout. In fairness to the Swiss they faced the absence of Werner Leimgruber and Kobi Kuhn, two of their best players for breaking a curfew, but the W Germans capitalised fully on their loss. The Germans opened the scoring through Siegried Held after 16 minutes and doubled their lead 4 minutes later when Helmut Haller scored. Franz Beckenbauer, playing his first World Cup game, scored two fine goals either side of half time, and Haller added a second of his own from the spot late on. It was a footballing education for the Swiss, a masterclass from the Germans.
At Villa Park Spain and Argentina fought out a close game, in stark contrast to that of their group rivals. Luis Artime scored first for Argentina, converting from Erminio Onega’s pass but Pirri levelled the scores shortly after. However, the Argentines restored their lead 7 minutes later again Artime providing the finish to take the win.
Spain though replied to their set back in just the right fashion when they faced the Swiss. Although they went behind to Quentin after 29 minutes the Spanish gradually began to impose themselves on the game and levelled via Sanchis a quarter of an hour into the second half. With time running out Amancio, the brilliant outside-right neeted with a header to give Spain a vital victory.
Argentina played out a dour game with W Germany which was soured somewhat by Albrecht’s dismissal in the second half for a brutal foul on Weber. Franz Beckenbauer largely concerned himself with nullifying Argentina’s creator-in-chief Onega, and so offered little of his own creativity for the Germans. As it was neither side possessed the ability or desire to carve open their opponents’ defence, and so the game fizzled out into a nil-nil draw.
At Hillsborough the Argentines though came to life somewhat in their 2-0 defeat of the Swiss. The goals came via Artime and Onega, the two players that most impressed in the game, in the second half. The result was enough to book Argentina’s place in the next round where they would face the hosts England.
They were joined in the next phase by Germany whose game at Villa Park was arguably the best produced in the group. The Spaniards led through Jose Fuste after 22 minutes as he shot past Hans Tilkowski. The Germans though levelled with a great shot from Emmerich from an acute angle. Uwe Seeler finally came to the rescue of W Germany though with just 6 minutes remaining and made sure that his side would progress to the quarter finals.
20-JUL-66 BIRMINGHAM Germany FR:Spain
2:1 (1:1) Villa Park
19-JUL-66 SHEFFIELD Argentina:Switzerland
2:0 (0:0) Hillsborough
16-JUL-66 BIRMINGHAM Germany FR:Argentina
0:0 Villa Park
15-JUL-66 SHEFFIELD Spain:Switzerland
2:1 (0:1) Hillsborough
13-JUL-66 BIRMINGHAM Argentina:Spain
2:1 (0:0) Villa Park
12-JUL-66 SHEFFIELD Germany FR:Switzerland
5:0 (3:0) Hillsborough
Group C
Brazil opened the defence of their World Cup crown against minnows Bulgaria. The Brazilian charge got off to a great start after 14 minutes when Pele gave them the lead with a blistering free-kick which Georgi Naidenov in the Bulgarian net could simply not keep out. Brazil extended their advantage in the second half with a fabulous “banana” kick, curled by Garrincha with the outside of his right foot. That was how the game finished, what appeared to be a routine start for the defending champions.
Portugal began their campaign against Hungary at Old Trafford. They found themselves off to an exceptional start as well as Jose Augusto headed them into the lead after just 2 minutes. After half-time though the Hungarians drew themselves level as Bene netted past goalkeeper Carvalho. Within ten minutes the Portuguese had restored their lead again via Augusto and again he had scored with his head. With just one minute remaining Torres made sure of victory, and a score line which perhaps flattered the Portuguese, the Hungarians had twice hit the bar.
Portugal’s second game against Bulgaria proved to be a simpler affair. They led within the opening ten minutes as Ivan Kutzov put into his own net. Eusebio doubled the Portuguese advantage before the break after latching on to a wonderful through ball and Torres headed Portugal’s third after 82 minutes after an error in the Bulgarian defence. After two games played the Portuguese had left themselves in a very strong position.
Their principal rivals for progression, Hungary and Brazil contested an epic game at Goodison Park. Sadly for Brazil, Pele was absent through injury and his place was taken in the side by Tostao. The Brazilians were caught somewhat cold in the opening stages as Bene fired Hungary into the lead after just 2 minutes, blasting the ball past Gilmar from a difficult angle.Yet Brazil came back into the game and it was Pele’s replacement Tostão who was the man to credit as he scored after a freekick from midfielder Lima. After half time the Hungarians restored their advantage via Farkas, smashing a right-footed volley past the hapless Gilmar. The man clearly running the show now was Albert, Hungary’s fine centre-forward. Mészöly made sure of the victory via the penalty spot ten minutes later, after Bene was unpended in the area.
The result left Brazil with it all to do in their last game against Portugal. For it they recalled Pele who was plainly not fit, but such was the need of Brazil, he had to be pressed back into action. Even Pele though was not enough to save Brazil, his cause not being helped by a horrendous tackle by Morais which appeared premeditated to end “O Rei’s” participation. As it was Portugal had led after just 15 minutes, as Manga (who had come in to replace Gilmar) did well to deal with Eusebio’s cross, but could not prevent Simoes knocking in the rebound. Soon Portugal had doubled their lead as Coluna, the outstanding captain, crossed the ball into the box. Torres headed it back across goal and Eusebio was there to pounce. The second half proved a slightly more even affair and Brazil scored a fine goal of their own via a lovely drive from Darildo on the edge of the box. If it revived Brazil’s hoped of a comeback though they were ot prove shortlived as Eusebio scored a fabulous goal, a cannon of a shot on the half volley from what appeared an impossible angle. Brazil were out, their dream of a third successive title shattered in the opening round.
Bulgaria’s campaign had proved disappointing, though given the company they were keeping it was somewhat understandable. However, one bright point for them throughout the tournament was forward Georgi Asparoukhov and it was he that put the Bulgarians into a shock lead against Hungary after 14 minutes. Yet normal distastrous service was restored just minutes before half time as Davidov put through his own net. Mészöly then put the Hungarians ahead on 45 minutes and Bene headed them into a comfortable 3-1 position. Bulgaria’s nightmare was finally over.
20-JUL-66 MANCHESTER Hungary:Bulgaria
3:1 (2:1) Old Trafford
19-JUL-66 LIVERPOOL Portugal:Brazil
3:1 (2:0) Goodison Park
16-JUL-66 MANCHESTER Portugal:Bulgaria
3:0 (2:0) Old Trafford
15-JUL-66 LIVERPOOL Hungary:Brazil
3:1 (1:1) Goodison Park
13-JUL-66 MANCHESTER Portugal:Hungary
3:1 (1:0) Old Trafford
12-JUL-66 LIVERPOOL Brazil:Bulgaria
2:0 (1:0) Goodison Park
Group D
Arguably the greatest story of the tournament was that of North Korea. They arrived in England with little fanfare and even less hope, and this was reaffirmed in their opening game, played at Middlesbrough in the North East. There they were comprehensibly outclassed by the USSR who used their physical strength to great advantage. The final score was 3-0 thanks to a double from Edouard Malafeiev either side of one from Anatolji Banichevski. At this point is looked like it may be a painful World Cup for the side from the Far East.
In Sunderland Italy and Chile met in a repeat of the game dubbed the “Battle of Santiago” four years earlier. This time the game was of a much more dignified nature, but the football was still of a dull nature. Indeed the Italians toiled wearily for their 2-0 victory. Sandro Mazzola had put them ahead after 9 minutes, but they had to wait until 5 minutes from time for Barison to finally settle the game.
Chile sought to make up for their disappointing opening in their game against North Korea. The Chileans knew that they faced an uphill task in qualifying and if they were to repeat their previous heroics then they would need a decent showing here. To that end they were glad to be awarded a penalty midway through the first half which was dispatched by Marcos. Yet just as the Chileans thought they had done enough and with time running out, the impossible happened; North Korea scored a goal. Park Seung-zin was the man responsible, and the Koreans had salvaged a draw when there at first appeared little chance of anything but humiliation.
The next day the group’s two leading teams, Italy and Russia, were playing seemingly for who might top the group. The game was eventually won by the Russians for whom Chislenko was the scorer. The great Giacinto Facchetti was never able to get to grips with Chislenko and it proved to be costly for the Italians in this case. The decision to drop the “Golden Boy” Gianni Rivera was perhaps regretted by manager Fabbri.
Italy’s future though appeared safe given that their final game was against relative no hopers N Korea. For this reason they were confident that the result against Russia would be no more than a minor set back. The Koreans though did possess excellent physical fitness and played with a fine spirit. Also in their favour was the fierce support of the Ayresome Park crowd who, for some reason, had taken the North Koreans to their hearts and gave the underdogs their full backing.
In the event the home fans would have plenty to cheer for as shortly before half time Doo-Ik Pak, dispossessed Gianni Rivera, turned and swiwelled to score. The goal shocked Italy, but they were unable to come up with any riposte. Indeed North Korea could well have won by more as Doo-Ik Pak Yang Sung Kook almost combined late on but the shot was blocked and finally smothered by Albertosi. As it was the Azzuri were out in tragic fashion, and Edmondo Fabbri was soon dismissed as manager. The Koreans were in with a great chance of progression, but had to wait on the outcome of the final game in the group.
That match was played between the Soviet Union and Chile, and victory in it for the USSR meant that the Koreans did progress. They had to thank Russian winger Valeriy Porkujan who netted twice in an impressive performance. The USSR had started strongly and proved that they would be a force to be reckoned with, no matter who they came up against.
20-JUL-66 SUNDERLAND Soviet Union:Chile
2:1 (1:1) Roker Park Ground
19-JUL-66 MIDDLESBROUGH Korea DPR:Italy
1:0 (1:0) Ayresome Park
16-JUL-66 SUNDERLAND Soviet Union:Italy
1:0 (0:0) Roker Park Ground
15-JUL-66 MIDDLESBROUGH Korea DPR:Chile
1:1 (0:1) Ayresome Park
13-JUL-66 SUNDERLAND Italy:Chile
2:0 (1:0) Roker Park Ground
12-JUL-66 MIDDLESBROUGH Soviet Union:Korea DPR
3:0 (2:0) Ayresome Park
Quarter-finals
England’s quarter final with Argentina has gone down in history as one of the most controversial games, not just of 1966 but of all World Cups. The impact of the game reverberated around the world and served to polarise cross continental opinions for years to come. The cause of all the controversy was the dismissal in the 35th minutes of the Argentine captain Antonio Rattin, but the fallout from it overshadowed all the genuine significance of the decision.
Rattin was initially booked for a petty foul on Bobby Charlton, but his general demeanour and his constant complaints to German referee Rudolf Kreitlein led to the snapping of the referee’s patience and his ejection from the game. The cause was his complaint over the booking of Luis Artime, but despite his position as captain the referee would brook no argument and Rattin was off. Or at least he should have been as Rattin took an eternity to leave the pitch as he initially refused and later complained that he had not understood the referee’s pointing to the tunnel. When he did finally begin to make his way off the pitch, he exchanged verbals with the crowd and petulantly flicked at the corner flag which was emblazoned with the Union Flag. Rattin later point to the fact that he spoke no German, the referee no Spanish, and so how had the referee become so upset with his complaints. Yet Kreitlein explained that he had understood from Rattin’s tone the purpose of his tirade. Whatever the rights and the wrongs of the matter, Rattin was off and the resulting furore (not helped by Alf Ramsay’s description of the the Argentine players as “animals”) was one that genuinely harmed the interaction between football’s two great continents.
As it was the Argentines coped admirably without their captain against an England side that had dropped Jimmy Greaves in favour of Geoff Hurst. Onega was the conductor of the majority of Argentina’s attacks and England at times looked devoid of any answer. England did come close through Hurst in the second half but Roma saved excellently. Yet Hurst managed to break the deadlock with time running out when a corner fro Wilson was crossed in by Peters and he headed past Antonio Roma. Oscar Mas was almost able to snatch a draw with time running out, but England progressed to their first ever World Cup semi-final. It was a real pity that their victory had been soured by the unsavoury events of the first half.
The game between W Germany and Uruguay at Hillsborough rivalled that of England and Argentina for bad temper. The Germans were in truth fortunate to take the lead after 11 minutes as Helmut Haller turned a shot by Siegfried Held past Mazurkiewicz. After half time though the game descended into anarchy as the Uruguyans accused Schnellinger of handling the ball on the line. Emmerich then kicked out at Horacio Troche who responded in kind and was sent off. Five minutes later Hector Silva, who had already been booked, followed his captain in seeing red for a rash tackle on Haller. With 9 men the Uruguyans had little chance of hanging on, let along levelling the game, and despite battling valiantly they just couldn’t stem the tide of W German attacks. Beckenbauer doubled the German advantage after 70 minutes, and Seeler and Haller added the third and fourth. Mazurkiewicz in the Uruguyan goal didn’t deserve to be on the end of such a scoreline.
Portugal and N Korea met at Goodison Park in what proved to be one of the all-time great games in the history of the competition. At the outset some wondered if the Koreans could repeat their feat of defeating the Italians, or whether the element of surprise would have been lost. The Portuguese had certainly been impressive in their group games, and few denied that if they played to their potential they would be just too strong for the Koreans.
The Koreans got off to an incredible start as Pak Seung Zin scored with a screamer with in the first minute. The Portuguese keeper Jose Pereira didn’t even move. Some might have felt that the goal would have brought the Portuguese to life but they fell further behind after 22 minutes when Li Dong Woon netted. It was a goal that should certainly have been prevented as Pereira twice missed chances to claim the ball and ended with giving Li an easy chance. The Koreans pulled further ahead as after a fine run by Yang Sung Kook, he passed to Pak Doo Ik whose shot found Yang who beat the keeper.
This finally was the wake-up call that Portugal were in such desperate need of and they began to respond. Eusebio grabbed Portugal’s first goal as he finshed well after a good ball by Simoes. Shortly before half time Eusebio had the chance to pull another one back for Portugal from the penalty spot after Torres was brought down from Eusebio’s pass. Eusebio did not disappoint and blasted home his penalty. After half time Portugal remarkably managed to level it, again it was Eusebio who scored with an excellent goal after he manged to control a fine through ball. At this point the N Koreans began to fall apart and Eusebio was almost unplayable. It was a phenomenal run by Eusebio down the left touchline that drew a second penalty after he had nutmegged Ha Yung Won and was clumsily hacked down. Eusebio appeared to be hurt but to the relief of the Portuguese fanshe got up to score the pen. The North Koreans dreams had by now been shattered and the game was settled late on when Torres headed across and Jose Augusto headed home. It had been an incredible game but the Portuguese had somehow made their way through to the semi finals. It would though prove to be the last time that the North Koreans would have such an impact on a major tournament, they returned to isolation and obscurity.
In comparison to the other three games the Soviet Union’s quarter final against Hungary passed off without incident. The Soviets led after just 5 minutes when Chislenko profited from a calamitous mistake by Gelei the Hungarian goalkeeper. They doubled their advantage shortly after the break when Porkujan scored after a second error from Gelei. Bene was able to pull one back on the hour but the Hungarians were unable to force an equaliser. The decisive factor in many peoples’ opinion was the inability of Florian Albert to dictate the pace of the game as he had done previously. Credit for that had to go Voronin who marked him to great effect and generally nullified the Hungarian maestro.
23-JUL-66 LONDON England:Argentina
1:0 (0:0) Wembley
23-JUL-66 SUNDERLAND Soviet Union:Hungary
2:1 (1:0) Roker Park Ground
23-JUL-66 SHEFFIELD Germany FR:Uruguay
4:0 (1:0) Hillsborough
23-JUL-66 LIVERPOOL Portugal:Korea DPR
5:3 (2:3) Goodison Park
Semi-finals
After all the controversy over the sending off of Rattin in their quarter final England might have hoped for a quiet life in the build up to their semi with Portugal. That proved a pipe dream though as suggestions and allegations were made over the choice of venue for that game. There had been some confusion in the build up as to whether England would play at Goodison Park or stay at Wembley where they had played all their previous games. Some misunderstanding had arisen from publications issued by the FA in the build up to the tournament that had led some to conclude that the game would be played in Liverpool. Yet, it was in fact the choice of FIFA as to which semi-final should be played at which venue. In the end FIFA made what was the pragmatic choice and decided to let England play at Wembley where they would draw a full house, and let W Germany play the USSR at Goodison Park given that they would draw less fans. They were to be proved right but that did not prevent some conspiracy theorists suggesting unscrupulous behaviour from the hosts.
The game itself pitted an irresistible force against an immovable object. Portugal had scored 14 goals in their previous 4 games and in Eusebio had a forward feared by all. Yet England were yet to concede in the tournament and could feel confident in their defensive prowess. England made the brighter start and could have led in the early stages as Bobby Charlton struck a good shot which drew a comfortable save from Pereira. Eusebio though proved that was still a threat with a dangerous cross that almost looped over Banks. Geoff Hurst then failed to take advantage of a mistake by Pereira after good interplayplay by Wilson, Charlton and Ball.
When England did take the lead it came from a long ball forward from Wilson for Hunt, the ball skipped away and Pereira when came out to block it fell straight to Charlton who returned it with interest. Portugal might have drawn level shortly before half time as a great volley by Eusebio was well saved by Banks. Bobby Charlton proved lively in the second half and indeed he might have netted with a spectacular long range effort which dipped just over the bar. But Charlton was not to be denied and when Hurst got into the box and unselfishly laid the ball off to Chalrton he spanked it into the back of the net.
Portugal were able to add some respectability late on as Jack Charlton handled clumsily. Eusebio had struggled to shake off the attentions of Bobby Moore throughout but was able to score yet again as he sent Banks the wrong way from the spot. The Portuguese battered on the English door for the remainder of the match but it was just too late for them to equalise. Perhaps Portugal were still tired from their clash with North Korea, but England had looked clearly the more determined team. Bobby Charlton in particular was in dazzling form, his shooting and passing as precise as could be hoped. England were into the World Cup final.
The previous day the first of the two semi-finals was contested between the USSR and West Germany. The Soviets found themselves under siege in the early stages (just as they had done 25 years earlier) and Yashin had to be on top form to keep the USSR in the game. However, the Germans were able to make their pressure count when a fine through ball from Schnellinger was matched by an excellent run from Haller who slid in to score. Before the break the problems of the Russians were compounded when Chislenko was sent off. Chislenko had arguably been the Russians’s most influential player of the tournament so far and his dismissal left them in a perilous position.
In the second half much of the crowd thought the Germans had doubled their advantage as a fine run from Beckenbauer ended in a long range drive. The ball had though just brushed the side netting. Beckenbauer though made up for that miss moments later when he picked up the ball on edge of box, dummied and rifled a great shot past Yashin.
Going two goals behind though appeared to be the spur the Russians need and for the remainder of the game it was they who showed the greater urgency. Indeed they might have pulled a goal back shortly after when Malofeiev put in a great run only to see his shot from wide well saved. The Russians managed reduce the arrears moments later when a good cross by Ponomarev, was contested by Malofeiev, and the ball ended in the back of the net courtesy of Porkujan. The Germans protested furiously that there had been an infringement but the referee rejected their pleas and the goal stood. However, there were just two minutes left and the Soviets knew that they faced an uphill task. Their hopes were almost fulfilled in the dying seconds as a good cross from Banishevski was met by the leap of Porkujan but the ball squeezed just over the bar.
26-JUL-66 LONDON England:Portugal
2:1 (1:0) Wembley
25-JUL-66 LIVERPOOL Germany FR:Soviet Union
2:1 (1:0) Goodison Park
3rd place play-off
The fight for third place was characteristically of little consolation to two teams who could so easily have been contesting the prize that all truly desired. The team that could take satisfaction was Portugal, for whom Eusebio scored yet another penalty. Although Malofeiev managed to level the match just before half-time the USSR were unable to hold on and eventually conceded a second to Jose Torres in the final minute. The game remarkably drew a crowd of 87,000 when all thoughts among the British public must have been focused two days forward.
28-JUL-66 LONDON Portugal:Soviet Union
2:1 (1:1) Wembley
Final
So to the final where two of histories greatest rivals would meet. However, they were not two of footballing history’s greatest rivals and the record showed that there had been a vast gulf between the two. Despite W Germany having won the World Cup in Switzerland in 1954, they were up against a side that had beaten them 10 times and drawn twice in their past 12 encounters. As it was that gulf was to be bridged in spectacular fashion, as it ended as one of the game’s most exciting and contentious finals.
On the English side much of the pre-game talk was over the striking conundrum faced by Alf Ramsay. It essentially boiled down to a choice of 2 players from Jimmy Greaves, Roger Hunt and Geoff Hurst. Greaves was the man with the pedigree, arguably the team’s best player and the world’s leading striker, he had rarely let England down in the past yet his fitness had cost him his place in the team and some felt it would be unfair to restore him now. Neither Roger Hunt nor Geoff Hurst possessed the class of Greaves, but both brough something to the team and had proved effective since they had been given a chance together. As it was Ramsay went for Hunt and Hurst, at the expense of Greaves who never fully forgave him for depriving the Spurs striker of his greatest moment.
When the game did get underway England were the side that seemed to have settled into their rhythym, as Martin Peters had an excellent effort well held by German keeper Tilchowski. Yet despite their early supremacy the home nation found themselves a goal behind after 12 minutes when Siegfried Held fired across a centre which was not adequately dealt with by Ray Wilson, and allowed Haller to finish well with a shot which went under Gordon Banks.
This was the test for England, only the second time they had conceded in the tournament so far and the first time they had trailed. Their response was swift. Bobby Charlton drove forward with a powerful run and laid the ball off to Bobby Moore who was plainly fouled by Wolfgang Overath. The quickthinking Moore took the freekick almost immediately and found his West Ham colleague Hurst who headed hom past the desperate keeper.
Now both sides had found their feet in the game and were keen to snatch the initiative. England were the first to press their claim for the lead as Cohen crossed for Moore, who powered a great header which was able saved by Tilkowski. Ball managed to be first to the rebound but he was unable to find a teammate and the attack fizzled out. Then the Germans attacked as a shot by Overath was followed up by Emmerich but both men were denied by Gordon Banks in sprightly form.
After the break it was clear that the sides could not be held for much longer as one attacked and then the other, but it was England that made the vital breakthrough. Hurst shot powerfully from the edge of the box, only to see his effort blocked by Hoettges. Martin Peters was there waiting and ready to finish it off finished it off. Peters seemed to have won the World Cup for England as he clock ran down, but the Germans somehow managed to force an equaliser. Referee Dienst of Switzerland awarded a debateable free-kick for a foul by Jackie Charlton on Held and from it Weber was able to squeeze the ball past Wilson and Banks.
As soon as England restarted the game the referee blew his whistle to indicate the end of normal time. While his side may have felt dejected at thior capitualation under the German siege, Alf Ramsay was defiant. “You’ve beaten them once, now go out and bloody beat them again” he roared as the sides regrouped for a short break.
When the teams began again it was clear that England had taken his words to heart as they were determined not to throw away such a glorious chance again. Within 5 minutes of the restart they had their reward. Alan Ball crossed the ball in to the box where it was controlled by Hurst who swivelled and struck a rocket into the underside of the bar. Whether it bounced over the line or not will be argued for an eternity, but whatever the truth the goal was awarded by the Russian (he was actually from Azerbaijan) linesman. Against all protestations England will forever argue that Roger Hunt could have turned the goal in and saved all the debate.
The game seemed to have been decided by that most controversial of goals until in the dying seconds Bobby Moore launched a pinpoint long pass forward for Hurst who raced on to it and smashed the ball into the roof of the net and past the German goalkeeper. The immortal words of Kenneth Wolstenholme will never be forgotten “Some people are on the pitch, they think it’s all over …. It is now!”
England, the game’s inventors 100 years earlier were at last the world champions, and no matter how controversially they had won it, no-one could take that away from them. Bobby Moore as England’s captain was presented with the Jules Rimet trophy by the Queen, and it capped the greatest day in England’s footballing history.
30-JUL-66 LONDON England:Germany FR
4:2 a.e.t (2:2, 1:1) Wembley
FIFA’s Official Page (http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/p/pwc/1966.html)
Full line ups, scorers and much more (http://www.rsssf.com/tables/66full.html)
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In 1966 football finally “came home” as England the game’s inventors were awarded hosting rights for the world’s greatest tournament. For all the British nations’ previous disputes with FIFA, few could dispute that the time was overdue for England to host.
Perhaps naturally as hosts England were well fancied by many commentators. The side was based around a superb spine of Banks, Moore, Charlton and Greaves, 4 truly world class players who would be envied by all. Banks had made his debut 3 years earlier against Brazil at Wembley, and had emerged both with his club Leicester City and England, as a truly outstanding keeper, capable of some sensational saves. Moore at the back was as calm and assured as ever, and he had led his club side to victory in Wembley cup finals the previous two years; an omen perhaps? In the build up to the World Cup there were some doubts about Moore’s position, not just as captain, but also in the starting eleven as it was thought Alf Ramsay, the England manager, might prefer Leeds United’s Norman Hunter to play alongside his club colleague Jackie Charlton. Jackie’s brother Bobby had emerged with Manchester United to be one of the world’s leading lights. He had been moved from outside left to a more central role, which suited his phenomenal shooting from distance and raking long passes. Greaves had proved himself to be arguably the game’s most lethal striker, scoring for fun both with club and country. However, the prior season had not been an ideal build up for the biggest event of his career. Greaves had been hit with jaundice which had ruled him out for much of the season and led to him failing to score 20 league goals for the first time in his career. In the build up to the World Cup though he had looked back to something near his best as he scored 4 times against Norway.
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Brazil were most neutrals’ tips to retain their trophy and extend the winning run to a remarkable three World Cups. Foremost among the reasons to be cheerful was the return of Pele, who had been so tragically injured in Chile 4 years earlier. Now 25 Pele had matured still further, and he was nearing his natural peak. If Pele could stay fit, it was believed that few teams could possibly live with the Brazilians. However, there were some possible issues within the squad. Most notably the side had something of an issue with age, with a number of players too old and others too young. Achieving the perfect blend of youth and experience would be a vital task for Vicente Feola.
The Portuguese brought with them a strong contingent centred on a core of players from Benfica. Perhaps the foremost of them was Eusebio, the “Black Panther”, who had strength, speed and guile and who woulod prove to be one of the leading lights of the 1966 World Cup. Around him in attack were Antonio Simoes, Jose Augusto and JoseTorres all clubmates of Eusebio at Benfica, and who meshed superbly together. In midfield was Mario Coluna, a terrific leader of the team and a tremendous deep lying passer who could carve open defences for his more forward thinking team-mates. They had been drawn in what appeared to be the toughest group alongside Brazil, and a strong side from Hungary whose orchestra was conduced by Florian Albert.
Italy had reason to be cheerful, their club teams had won 3 of the past 4 European Cups and they certainly had the players to perform well. In attack they had the two fabulous creatives minds of Sandro Mazzola and Gianni Rivera, while at the back Burgnich and Facchetti were a match for anyone.
In the event there was almost no trophy to be won as the original Jules Rimet trophy was stolen from an exhibition at Central Hall in Westminster. The FA, who had promised its safekeeping while FIFA has been reluctant to let the exhibition go ahead, were left with egg on their face. However, after attempts to catch the culprits had led only to dead ends they were helped by an unlikely hero. That hero was Pickles, a two year old mongrel, who unearthed the famous trophy while being walked in Beulah Hill. Thus the blushes of the FA were saved and the world’s greatest tournament had its trophy back.
Group A
For all the hopes of the home nation England made a less than encouraging start in their opening encounter with Uruguay. Uruguay set out to to stifle England by playing a particularly cautious game, and for some reason England showed little urgency of their own.While some felt that Ondino Viera, the Uruguyan coach might have utilised the talents of Pedro Rocha, with a more expansive approach it was in truth up to England to make the running and in that department they sold their supporters short. Mazurkiewicz in the Uruguayan goal and his English counterpart Gordon Banks had a relatively quiet day at the office, and so the game ended in stalemate.
Two days later, again at Wembley, the group’s other two teams Mexico and France also opened with a draw. Enrique Borja opened the scoring for the Mexicans shortly before half time with a header, but the French drew level after the break via Gerard Hausser. In truth it was a real blow to France’s hopes, knowing that they still had to face the group’s two strongest teams, but they had not done enough and deserved no more than a point.
At White City, France’s campaign effectively came to an end as they went down 2-1 to Uruguay. The French had themselves taken the lead through Hector de Bourgoing after 15 minutes via the penalty spot. Pedro Rocha netted on 27 minutes to level and it was 2:1 shortly after when Julio Cortés scored for the Uruguyans. The French could not find a goal themselves though and they left themselves needing to beat England in their final game to stand any chance of progress.
After their poor display against Uruguay England sought to make amends against the Mexicans. They didn’t find the going easy though, as Mexico mirrored the tactics used by their Latin cousins Uruguay, by attempting to defend with numbers throughout. Eventually late on in the first half Bobby Charlton managed to break the dead lock with a powerful right footed drive. In the second half Roger Hunt added a second for England when he followed up from Calderon’s save of a Jimmy Greaves shot. The Mexicans lacked any real invention of their own and two goals was always going to be asking too much from them. As it was England had hardly set the world on fire, but they had done enough and their campaign was back on track.
The Mexicans saw their negative tactics rebound against them in their final group game against Uruguay. The Uruguyans knew that a draw would be enough to guarentee their progression and they were quite happy to defend with numbers and to use cynical tactics to snuff out what few attacks the Mexicans did offer. It was to Antonio Carbajal’s final World Cup game in his 5th finals, perhaps it was a blessing that he managed to keep a clean sheet. His attacking team-mates though were not able to break the deadlock and so Uruguay got the point they so desired.
England’s final match was against the French at Wembley and it saw them still in sluggish form. They owed their victory to two headed goals from Roger Hunt, either side of half time, but they masked what was yet another average performance. The French were sorely lacking players such as Kopa, Fontaine and Jonquet who had made them such a force in the 1950s. Perhaps the game was most notable for an injury sustained by Jimmy Greaves which saw him ruled out of England’s first knockout game. England’s progress came at a price.
20-JUL-66 LONDON England:France
2:0 (1:0) Wembley
19-JUL-66 LONDON Uruguay:Mexico
0:0 Wembley
16-JUL-66 LONDON England:Mexico
2:0 (1:0) Wembley
15-JUL-66 LONDON Uruguay:France
2:1 (2:1) White City
13-JUL-66 LONDON France:Mexico
1:1 (0:0) Wembley
11-JUL-66 LONDON England:Uruguay
0:0 Wembley
Group B
The W Germans faced Switzerland in their opening game and they began with a rout. In fairness to the Swiss they faced the absence of Werner Leimgruber and Kobi Kuhn, two of their best players for breaking a curfew, but the W Germans capitalised fully on their loss. The Germans opened the scoring through Siegried Held after 16 minutes and doubled their lead 4 minutes later when Helmut Haller scored. Franz Beckenbauer, playing his first World Cup game, scored two fine goals either side of half time, and Haller added a second of his own from the spot late on. It was a footballing education for the Swiss, a masterclass from the Germans.
At Villa Park Spain and Argentina fought out a close game, in stark contrast to that of their group rivals. Luis Artime scored first for Argentina, converting from Erminio Onega’s pass but Pirri levelled the scores shortly after. However, the Argentines restored their lead 7 minutes later again Artime providing the finish to take the win.
Spain though replied to their set back in just the right fashion when they faced the Swiss. Although they went behind to Quentin after 29 minutes the Spanish gradually began to impose themselves on the game and levelled via Sanchis a quarter of an hour into the second half. With time running out Amancio, the brilliant outside-right neeted with a header to give Spain a vital victory.
Argentina played out a dour game with W Germany which was soured somewhat by Albrecht’s dismissal in the second half for a brutal foul on Weber. Franz Beckenbauer largely concerned himself with nullifying Argentina’s creator-in-chief Onega, and so offered little of his own creativity for the Germans. As it was neither side possessed the ability or desire to carve open their opponents’ defence, and so the game fizzled out into a nil-nil draw.
At Hillsborough the Argentines though came to life somewhat in their 2-0 defeat of the Swiss. The goals came via Artime and Onega, the two players that most impressed in the game, in the second half. The result was enough to book Argentina’s place in the next round where they would face the hosts England.
They were joined in the next phase by Germany whose game at Villa Park was arguably the best produced in the group. The Spaniards led through Jose Fuste after 22 minutes as he shot past Hans Tilkowski. The Germans though levelled with a great shot from Emmerich from an acute angle. Uwe Seeler finally came to the rescue of W Germany though with just 6 minutes remaining and made sure that his side would progress to the quarter finals.
20-JUL-66 BIRMINGHAM Germany FR:Spain
2:1 (1:1) Villa Park
19-JUL-66 SHEFFIELD Argentina:Switzerland
2:0 (0:0) Hillsborough
16-JUL-66 BIRMINGHAM Germany FR:Argentina
0:0 Villa Park
15-JUL-66 SHEFFIELD Spain:Switzerland
2:1 (0:1) Hillsborough
13-JUL-66 BIRMINGHAM Argentina:Spain
2:1 (0:0) Villa Park
12-JUL-66 SHEFFIELD Germany FR:Switzerland
5:0 (3:0) Hillsborough
Group C
Brazil opened the defence of their World Cup crown against minnows Bulgaria. The Brazilian charge got off to a great start after 14 minutes when Pele gave them the lead with a blistering free-kick which Georgi Naidenov in the Bulgarian net could simply not keep out. Brazil extended their advantage in the second half with a fabulous “banana” kick, curled by Garrincha with the outside of his right foot. That was how the game finished, what appeared to be a routine start for the defending champions.
Portugal began their campaign against Hungary at Old Trafford. They found themselves off to an exceptional start as well as Jose Augusto headed them into the lead after just 2 minutes. After half-time though the Hungarians drew themselves level as Bene netted past goalkeeper Carvalho. Within ten minutes the Portuguese had restored their lead again via Augusto and again he had scored with his head. With just one minute remaining Torres made sure of victory, and a score line which perhaps flattered the Portuguese, the Hungarians had twice hit the bar.
Portugal’s second game against Bulgaria proved to be a simpler affair. They led within the opening ten minutes as Ivan Kutzov put into his own net. Eusebio doubled the Portuguese advantage before the break after latching on to a wonderful through ball and Torres headed Portugal’s third after 82 minutes after an error in the Bulgarian defence. After two games played the Portuguese had left themselves in a very strong position.
Their principal rivals for progression, Hungary and Brazil contested an epic game at Goodison Park. Sadly for Brazil, Pele was absent through injury and his place was taken in the side by Tostao. The Brazilians were caught somewhat cold in the opening stages as Bene fired Hungary into the lead after just 2 minutes, blasting the ball past Gilmar from a difficult angle.Yet Brazil came back into the game and it was Pele’s replacement Tostão who was the man to credit as he scored after a freekick from midfielder Lima. After half time the Hungarians restored their advantage via Farkas, smashing a right-footed volley past the hapless Gilmar. The man clearly running the show now was Albert, Hungary’s fine centre-forward. Mészöly made sure of the victory via the penalty spot ten minutes later, after Bene was unpended in the area.
The result left Brazil with it all to do in their last game against Portugal. For it they recalled Pele who was plainly not fit, but such was the need of Brazil, he had to be pressed back into action. Even Pele though was not enough to save Brazil, his cause not being helped by a horrendous tackle by Morais which appeared premeditated to end “O Rei’s” participation. As it was Portugal had led after just 15 minutes, as Manga (who had come in to replace Gilmar) did well to deal with Eusebio’s cross, but could not prevent Simoes knocking in the rebound. Soon Portugal had doubled their lead as Coluna, the outstanding captain, crossed the ball into the box. Torres headed it back across goal and Eusebio was there to pounce. The second half proved a slightly more even affair and Brazil scored a fine goal of their own via a lovely drive from Darildo on the edge of the box. If it revived Brazil’s hoped of a comeback though they were ot prove shortlived as Eusebio scored a fabulous goal, a cannon of a shot on the half volley from what appeared an impossible angle. Brazil were out, their dream of a third successive title shattered in the opening round.
Bulgaria’s campaign had proved disappointing, though given the company they were keeping it was somewhat understandable. However, one bright point for them throughout the tournament was forward Georgi Asparoukhov and it was he that put the Bulgarians into a shock lead against Hungary after 14 minutes. Yet normal distastrous service was restored just minutes before half time as Davidov put through his own net. Mészöly then put the Hungarians ahead on 45 minutes and Bene headed them into a comfortable 3-1 position. Bulgaria’s nightmare was finally over.
20-JUL-66 MANCHESTER Hungary:Bulgaria
3:1 (2:1) Old Trafford
19-JUL-66 LIVERPOOL Portugal:Brazil
3:1 (2:0) Goodison Park
16-JUL-66 MANCHESTER Portugal:Bulgaria
3:0 (2:0) Old Trafford
15-JUL-66 LIVERPOOL Hungary:Brazil
3:1 (1:1) Goodison Park
13-JUL-66 MANCHESTER Portugal:Hungary
3:1 (1:0) Old Trafford
12-JUL-66 LIVERPOOL Brazil:Bulgaria
2:0 (1:0) Goodison Park
Group D
Arguably the greatest story of the tournament was that of North Korea. They arrived in England with little fanfare and even less hope, and this was reaffirmed in their opening game, played at Middlesbrough in the North East. There they were comprehensibly outclassed by the USSR who used their physical strength to great advantage. The final score was 3-0 thanks to a double from Edouard Malafeiev either side of one from Anatolji Banichevski. At this point is looked like it may be a painful World Cup for the side from the Far East.
In Sunderland Italy and Chile met in a repeat of the game dubbed the “Battle of Santiago” four years earlier. This time the game was of a much more dignified nature, but the football was still of a dull nature. Indeed the Italians toiled wearily for their 2-0 victory. Sandro Mazzola had put them ahead after 9 minutes, but they had to wait until 5 minutes from time for Barison to finally settle the game.
Chile sought to make up for their disappointing opening in their game against North Korea. The Chileans knew that they faced an uphill task in qualifying and if they were to repeat their previous heroics then they would need a decent showing here. To that end they were glad to be awarded a penalty midway through the first half which was dispatched by Marcos. Yet just as the Chileans thought they had done enough and with time running out, the impossible happened; North Korea scored a goal. Park Seung-zin was the man responsible, and the Koreans had salvaged a draw when there at first appeared little chance of anything but humiliation.
The next day the group’s two leading teams, Italy and Russia, were playing seemingly for who might top the group. The game was eventually won by the Russians for whom Chislenko was the scorer. The great Giacinto Facchetti was never able to get to grips with Chislenko and it proved to be costly for the Italians in this case. The decision to drop the “Golden Boy” Gianni Rivera was perhaps regretted by manager Fabbri.
Italy’s future though appeared safe given that their final game was against relative no hopers N Korea. For this reason they were confident that the result against Russia would be no more than a minor set back. The Koreans though did possess excellent physical fitness and played with a fine spirit. Also in their favour was the fierce support of the Ayresome Park crowd who, for some reason, had taken the North Koreans to their hearts and gave the underdogs their full backing.
In the event the home fans would have plenty to cheer for as shortly before half time Doo-Ik Pak, dispossessed Gianni Rivera, turned and swiwelled to score. The goal shocked Italy, but they were unable to come up with any riposte. Indeed North Korea could well have won by more as Doo-Ik Pak Yang Sung Kook almost combined late on but the shot was blocked and finally smothered by Albertosi. As it was the Azzuri were out in tragic fashion, and Edmondo Fabbri was soon dismissed as manager. The Koreans were in with a great chance of progression, but had to wait on the outcome of the final game in the group.
That match was played between the Soviet Union and Chile, and victory in it for the USSR meant that the Koreans did progress. They had to thank Russian winger Valeriy Porkujan who netted twice in an impressive performance. The USSR had started strongly and proved that they would be a force to be reckoned with, no matter who they came up against.
20-JUL-66 SUNDERLAND Soviet Union:Chile
2:1 (1:1) Roker Park Ground
19-JUL-66 MIDDLESBROUGH Korea DPR:Italy
1:0 (1:0) Ayresome Park
16-JUL-66 SUNDERLAND Soviet Union:Italy
1:0 (0:0) Roker Park Ground
15-JUL-66 MIDDLESBROUGH Korea DPR:Chile
1:1 (0:1) Ayresome Park
13-JUL-66 SUNDERLAND Italy:Chile
2:0 (1:0) Roker Park Ground
12-JUL-66 MIDDLESBROUGH Soviet Union:Korea DPR
3:0 (2:0) Ayresome Park
Quarter-finals
England’s quarter final with Argentina has gone down in history as one of the most controversial games, not just of 1966 but of all World Cups. The impact of the game reverberated around the world and served to polarise cross continental opinions for years to come. The cause of all the controversy was the dismissal in the 35th minutes of the Argentine captain Antonio Rattin, but the fallout from it overshadowed all the genuine significance of the decision.
Rattin was initially booked for a petty foul on Bobby Charlton, but his general demeanour and his constant complaints to German referee Rudolf Kreitlein led to the snapping of the referee’s patience and his ejection from the game. The cause was his complaint over the booking of Luis Artime, but despite his position as captain the referee would brook no argument and Rattin was off. Or at least he should have been as Rattin took an eternity to leave the pitch as he initially refused and later complained that he had not understood the referee’s pointing to the tunnel. When he did finally begin to make his way off the pitch, he exchanged verbals with the crowd and petulantly flicked at the corner flag which was emblazoned with the Union Flag. Rattin later point to the fact that he spoke no German, the referee no Spanish, and so how had the referee become so upset with his complaints. Yet Kreitlein explained that he had understood from Rattin’s tone the purpose of his tirade. Whatever the rights and the wrongs of the matter, Rattin was off and the resulting furore (not helped by Alf Ramsay’s description of the the Argentine players as “animals”) was one that genuinely harmed the interaction between football’s two great continents.
As it was the Argentines coped admirably without their captain against an England side that had dropped Jimmy Greaves in favour of Geoff Hurst. Onega was the conductor of the majority of Argentina’s attacks and England at times looked devoid of any answer. England did come close through Hurst in the second half but Roma saved excellently. Yet Hurst managed to break the deadlock with time running out when a corner fro Wilson was crossed in by Peters and he headed past Antonio Roma. Oscar Mas was almost able to snatch a draw with time running out, but England progressed to their first ever World Cup semi-final. It was a real pity that their victory had been soured by the unsavoury events of the first half.
The game between W Germany and Uruguay at Hillsborough rivalled that of England and Argentina for bad temper. The Germans were in truth fortunate to take the lead after 11 minutes as Helmut Haller turned a shot by Siegfried Held past Mazurkiewicz. After half time though the game descended into anarchy as the Uruguyans accused Schnellinger of handling the ball on the line. Emmerich then kicked out at Horacio Troche who responded in kind and was sent off. Five minutes later Hector Silva, who had already been booked, followed his captain in seeing red for a rash tackle on Haller. With 9 men the Uruguyans had little chance of hanging on, let along levelling the game, and despite battling valiantly they just couldn’t stem the tide of W German attacks. Beckenbauer doubled the German advantage after 70 minutes, and Seeler and Haller added the third and fourth. Mazurkiewicz in the Uruguyan goal didn’t deserve to be on the end of such a scoreline.
Portugal and N Korea met at Goodison Park in what proved to be one of the all-time great games in the history of the competition. At the outset some wondered if the Koreans could repeat their feat of defeating the Italians, or whether the element of surprise would have been lost. The Portuguese had certainly been impressive in their group games, and few denied that if they played to their potential they would be just too strong for the Koreans.
The Koreans got off to an incredible start as Pak Seung Zin scored with a screamer with in the first minute. The Portuguese keeper Jose Pereira didn’t even move. Some might have felt that the goal would have brought the Portuguese to life but they fell further behind after 22 minutes when Li Dong Woon netted. It was a goal that should certainly have been prevented as Pereira twice missed chances to claim the ball and ended with giving Li an easy chance. The Koreans pulled further ahead as after a fine run by Yang Sung Kook, he passed to Pak Doo Ik whose shot found Yang who beat the keeper.
This finally was the wake-up call that Portugal were in such desperate need of and they began to respond. Eusebio grabbed Portugal’s first goal as he finshed well after a good ball by Simoes. Shortly before half time Eusebio had the chance to pull another one back for Portugal from the penalty spot after Torres was brought down from Eusebio’s pass. Eusebio did not disappoint and blasted home his penalty. After half time Portugal remarkably managed to level it, again it was Eusebio who scored with an excellent goal after he manged to control a fine through ball. At this point the N Koreans began to fall apart and Eusebio was almost unplayable. It was a phenomenal run by Eusebio down the left touchline that drew a second penalty after he had nutmegged Ha Yung Won and was clumsily hacked down. Eusebio appeared to be hurt but to the relief of the Portuguese fanshe got up to score the pen. The North Koreans dreams had by now been shattered and the game was settled late on when Torres headed across and Jose Augusto headed home. It had been an incredible game but the Portuguese had somehow made their way through to the semi finals. It would though prove to be the last time that the North Koreans would have such an impact on a major tournament, they returned to isolation and obscurity.
In comparison to the other three games the Soviet Union’s quarter final against Hungary passed off without incident. The Soviets led after just 5 minutes when Chislenko profited from a calamitous mistake by Gelei the Hungarian goalkeeper. They doubled their advantage shortly after the break when Porkujan scored after a second error from Gelei. Bene was able to pull one back on the hour but the Hungarians were unable to force an equaliser. The decisive factor in many peoples’ opinion was the inability of Florian Albert to dictate the pace of the game as he had done previously. Credit for that had to go Voronin who marked him to great effect and generally nullified the Hungarian maestro.
23-JUL-66 LONDON England:Argentina
1:0 (0:0) Wembley
23-JUL-66 SUNDERLAND Soviet Union:Hungary
2:1 (1:0) Roker Park Ground
23-JUL-66 SHEFFIELD Germany FR:Uruguay
4:0 (1:0) Hillsborough
23-JUL-66 LIVERPOOL Portugal:Korea DPR
5:3 (2:3) Goodison Park
Semi-finals
After all the controversy over the sending off of Rattin in their quarter final England might have hoped for a quiet life in the build up to their semi with Portugal. That proved a pipe dream though as suggestions and allegations were made over the choice of venue for that game. There had been some confusion in the build up as to whether England would play at Goodison Park or stay at Wembley where they had played all their previous games. Some misunderstanding had arisen from publications issued by the FA in the build up to the tournament that had led some to conclude that the game would be played in Liverpool. Yet, it was in fact the choice of FIFA as to which semi-final should be played at which venue. In the end FIFA made what was the pragmatic choice and decided to let England play at Wembley where they would draw a full house, and let W Germany play the USSR at Goodison Park given that they would draw less fans. They were to be proved right but that did not prevent some conspiracy theorists suggesting unscrupulous behaviour from the hosts.
The game itself pitted an irresistible force against an immovable object. Portugal had scored 14 goals in their previous 4 games and in Eusebio had a forward feared by all. Yet England were yet to concede in the tournament and could feel confident in their defensive prowess. England made the brighter start and could have led in the early stages as Bobby Charlton struck a good shot which drew a comfortable save from Pereira. Eusebio though proved that was still a threat with a dangerous cross that almost looped over Banks. Geoff Hurst then failed to take advantage of a mistake by Pereira after good interplayplay by Wilson, Charlton and Ball.
When England did take the lead it came from a long ball forward from Wilson for Hunt, the ball skipped away and Pereira when came out to block it fell straight to Charlton who returned it with interest. Portugal might have drawn level shortly before half time as a great volley by Eusebio was well saved by Banks. Bobby Charlton proved lively in the second half and indeed he might have netted with a spectacular long range effort which dipped just over the bar. But Charlton was not to be denied and when Hurst got into the box and unselfishly laid the ball off to Chalrton he spanked it into the back of the net.
Portugal were able to add some respectability late on as Jack Charlton handled clumsily. Eusebio had struggled to shake off the attentions of Bobby Moore throughout but was able to score yet again as he sent Banks the wrong way from the spot. The Portuguese battered on the English door for the remainder of the match but it was just too late for them to equalise. Perhaps Portugal were still tired from their clash with North Korea, but England had looked clearly the more determined team. Bobby Charlton in particular was in dazzling form, his shooting and passing as precise as could be hoped. England were into the World Cup final.
The previous day the first of the two semi-finals was contested between the USSR and West Germany. The Soviets found themselves under siege in the early stages (just as they had done 25 years earlier) and Yashin had to be on top form to keep the USSR in the game. However, the Germans were able to make their pressure count when a fine through ball from Schnellinger was matched by an excellent run from Haller who slid in to score. Before the break the problems of the Russians were compounded when Chislenko was sent off. Chislenko had arguably been the Russians’s most influential player of the tournament so far and his dismissal left them in a perilous position.
In the second half much of the crowd thought the Germans had doubled their advantage as a fine run from Beckenbauer ended in a long range drive. The ball had though just brushed the side netting. Beckenbauer though made up for that miss moments later when he picked up the ball on edge of box, dummied and rifled a great shot past Yashin.
Going two goals behind though appeared to be the spur the Russians need and for the remainder of the game it was they who showed the greater urgency. Indeed they might have pulled a goal back shortly after when Malofeiev put in a great run only to see his shot from wide well saved. The Russians managed reduce the arrears moments later when a good cross by Ponomarev, was contested by Malofeiev, and the ball ended in the back of the net courtesy of Porkujan. The Germans protested furiously that there had been an infringement but the referee rejected their pleas and the goal stood. However, there were just two minutes left and the Soviets knew that they faced an uphill task. Their hopes were almost fulfilled in the dying seconds as a good cross from Banishevski was met by the leap of Porkujan but the ball squeezed just over the bar.
26-JUL-66 LONDON England:Portugal
2:1 (1:0) Wembley
25-JUL-66 LIVERPOOL Germany FR:Soviet Union
2:1 (1:0) Goodison Park
3rd place play-off
The fight for third place was characteristically of little consolation to two teams who could so easily have been contesting the prize that all truly desired. The team that could take satisfaction was Portugal, for whom Eusebio scored yet another penalty. Although Malofeiev managed to level the match just before half-time the USSR were unable to hold on and eventually conceded a second to Jose Torres in the final minute. The game remarkably drew a crowd of 87,000 when all thoughts among the British public must have been focused two days forward.
28-JUL-66 LONDON Portugal:Soviet Union
2:1 (1:1) Wembley
Final
So to the final where two of histories greatest rivals would meet. However, they were not two of footballing history’s greatest rivals and the record showed that there had been a vast gulf between the two. Despite W Germany having won the World Cup in Switzerland in 1954, they were up against a side that had beaten them 10 times and drawn twice in their past 12 encounters. As it was that gulf was to be bridged in spectacular fashion, as it ended as one of the game’s most exciting and contentious finals.
On the English side much of the pre-game talk was over the striking conundrum faced by Alf Ramsay. It essentially boiled down to a choice of 2 players from Jimmy Greaves, Roger Hunt and Geoff Hurst. Greaves was the man with the pedigree, arguably the team’s best player and the world’s leading striker, he had rarely let England down in the past yet his fitness had cost him his place in the team and some felt it would be unfair to restore him now. Neither Roger Hunt nor Geoff Hurst possessed the class of Greaves, but both brough something to the team and had proved effective since they had been given a chance together. As it was Ramsay went for Hunt and Hurst, at the expense of Greaves who never fully forgave him for depriving the Spurs striker of his greatest moment.
When the game did get underway England were the side that seemed to have settled into their rhythym, as Martin Peters had an excellent effort well held by German keeper Tilchowski. Yet despite their early supremacy the home nation found themselves a goal behind after 12 minutes when Siegfried Held fired across a centre which was not adequately dealt with by Ray Wilson, and allowed Haller to finish well with a shot which went under Gordon Banks.
This was the test for England, only the second time they had conceded in the tournament so far and the first time they had trailed. Their response was swift. Bobby Charlton drove forward with a powerful run and laid the ball off to Bobby Moore who was plainly fouled by Wolfgang Overath. The quickthinking Moore took the freekick almost immediately and found his West Ham colleague Hurst who headed hom past the desperate keeper.
Now both sides had found their feet in the game and were keen to snatch the initiative. England were the first to press their claim for the lead as Cohen crossed for Moore, who powered a great header which was able saved by Tilkowski. Ball managed to be first to the rebound but he was unable to find a teammate and the attack fizzled out. Then the Germans attacked as a shot by Overath was followed up by Emmerich but both men were denied by Gordon Banks in sprightly form.
After the break it was clear that the sides could not be held for much longer as one attacked and then the other, but it was England that made the vital breakthrough. Hurst shot powerfully from the edge of the box, only to see his effort blocked by Hoettges. Martin Peters was there waiting and ready to finish it off finished it off. Peters seemed to have won the World Cup for England as he clock ran down, but the Germans somehow managed to force an equaliser. Referee Dienst of Switzerland awarded a debateable free-kick for a foul by Jackie Charlton on Held and from it Weber was able to squeeze the ball past Wilson and Banks.
As soon as England restarted the game the referee blew his whistle to indicate the end of normal time. While his side may have felt dejected at thior capitualation under the German siege, Alf Ramsay was defiant. “You’ve beaten them once, now go out and bloody beat them again” he roared as the sides regrouped for a short break.
When the teams began again it was clear that England had taken his words to heart as they were determined not to throw away such a glorious chance again. Within 5 minutes of the restart they had their reward. Alan Ball crossed the ball in to the box where it was controlled by Hurst who swivelled and struck a rocket into the underside of the bar. Whether it bounced over the line or not will be argued for an eternity, but whatever the truth the goal was awarded by the Russian (he was actually from Azerbaijan) linesman. Against all protestations England will forever argue that Roger Hunt could have turned the goal in and saved all the debate.
The game seemed to have been decided by that most controversial of goals until in the dying seconds Bobby Moore launched a pinpoint long pass forward for Hurst who raced on to it and smashed the ball into the roof of the net and past the German goalkeeper. The immortal words of Kenneth Wolstenholme will never be forgotten “Some people are on the pitch, they think it’s all over …. It is now!”
England, the game’s inventors 100 years earlier were at last the world champions, and no matter how controversially they had won it, no-one could take that away from them. Bobby Moore as England’s captain was presented with the Jules Rimet trophy by the Queen, and it capped the greatest day in England’s footballing history.
30-JUL-66 LONDON England:Germany FR
4:2 a.e.t (2:2, 1:1) Wembley
FIFA’s Official Page (http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/p/pwc/1966.html)
Full line ups, scorers and much more (http://www.rsssf.com/tables/66full.html)
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