The 1966 World Cup in England

The 1966 World Cup
Controversial Victory

The 1966 World Cup was held in the country that invented football, England. Since 1930, they had requested to host the tournament due to being the creators of the game, and in 1966, their wish was granted. This World Cup is remembered for the bias of the referees in favor of European teams, particularly England, who were accused of winning the tournament with the help of referees. The tournament was broadcast live for the first time, with defensive football being the dominant style.

Participating teams: 16

Germany
Argentina
Brazil
Bulgaria
Chile
North Korea
Spain
France
Hungary
England
Italy
Mexico
Portugal
Switzerland
USSR
Uruguay

This World Cup witnessed the incredible performances of Portugal's panther, Eusebio, who outshone England's Bobby Moore and Bobby Charlton, as well as Germany's Franz Beckenbauer. It also marked the farewell of two great players: Brazil's Garrincha and Mexico's Antonio Carbajal, who is one of the few players to have participated in five World Cups. The tournament was bittersweet, however, as Hungary and Portugal mercilessly fouled Brazil's Pelé, who was left battered and bruised, without punishment from the referees.

There were two surprises: Portugal, making its World Cup debut, finished third, with Eusebio winning the top scorer title. The other surprise was North Korea, who eliminated Italy with a goal from Pak, a dentist who practiced football in his free time.

There were so many complaints about the refereeing that it was dubbed "The Show of the European Referees." A German referee gifted England a win against Argentina, while an English referee did the same for Germany against Uruguay.

Additionally, the Jules Rimet Trophy was stolen, but it was later found by a dog named Pickles, who became a national hero.

The final was contested between Germany and England, as the referees had arranged. Haller of Germany opened the scoring, but Hurst equalized for England. Then, Peter put England ahead 2-1. However, Beckenbauer made a perfect pass to Weber, and the game was tied again, leading to extra time.

The controversy came in extra time with a "phantom goal" that only the linesman saw, putting England ahead 3-2. With the Germans demoralized by this decision, Hurst scored again, making it 4-2, becoming the only player to score three goals in a final.

Key Players:

Bobby Charlton (England) – One of the survivors of the Manchester United air crash, the ball obeyed him as if it were tied to his feet. He is considered the greatest player in England’s history.
Eusebio (Portugal) – From Mozambique, a great goal scorer with 9 goals, considered Portugal's best player of all time.
Franz Beckenbauer (Germany) – Known as "The Kaiser," he dominated both defense and attack, playing a key role in Germany’s run to the final.

Final Standings: