Remembering The 1966 FIFA World Cup

Portugal had shone in the group stages, finishing top of a group with Brazil and Hungary. In fact, winning all their games, they were largely responsible for the surprise early exit of defending champions Brazil. Featuring some great players, their star player, Eusebio, ended the World Cup as the top goal scorer with nine goals in the 1966 finals.

At any rate, England’s progress was largely according to plan but little else. They finished top of their easier group despite drawing the first game. Against a tricky Argentina side in the quarter-finals, they came out on top 1-0 in a game that was notable for its yellow cards and one red.

In the semifinals, Portugal posed the biggest test to date. England was not to be denied, and in another of the tournament’s best games, they would gain a 2-goal lead thanks to a fine double from Charlton. Euesibo’s penalty would get Portugal back into the game later, but it would not be enough to save them, and the match finished 2-1 for England. For them, their last game would be a playoff against the USSR (2-1), while England would make their first World Cup final appearance against West Germany.

West Germany had a very strong team, with players such as Franz Beckenbauer. They finished top of their group and easily beat Uruguay 4-0 in the quarter-finals. In the semifinals, they saw off the USSR 2-1 to set the final with England.

Overall, both teams probably just about deserved to be there. As a final, it was a classic match, and Germany looked to upset the script when they scored the first goal. However, England’s undoubted talent was not to be denied, and they would come back to lead 2-1, and seemingly on course to win, but for a debatable late German equaliser. The script just needed a hero, and Geoff Hurst would provide it with two goals in extra time that sealed the World Cup for England in 1966 by four goals to two.

With that, captain Bobby Moore lifted England’s first and only World Cup to date. Rarely was it easy, but it was deserved for England, who demonstrated some technique along with the usual bulldog game plan to overcome the likes of Argentina. It was comfortably their best-ever World Cup, and generally, it was a good one, but it was a pity that great teams like Brazil did not feature a little more.

Was The 1966 FIFA World Cup A Great One?

Yes, the 1966 FIFA World Cup was certainly among the more memorable in the tournament’s history. With a goal average of 2.78 per game, it was a higher-scoring World Cup with some classic matches and legendary players. The unforgettable 1966 final was one of the greatest games in World Cup history. However, Portugal’s clashes against N. Korea (5-3) and Brazil (3-1) were also classic matches.

This was also a World Cup that triggered a cultural soccer explosion. As the first to have widespread TV coverage, it transported the sport globally. It also established the mascot tradition with the World Cup Willie cartoon lion.

End Of My 1966 FIFA World Cup Rant

So, the 1966 FIFA World Cup was perhaps one of the most significant in soccer history. When soccer returned home, it came home with a bang. England wants to host another FIFA World Cup, but that looks more likely to happen in the women’s game at the moment.