About 1966 World Cup Final at Wembley
The 1966 FIFA World Cup Final was played at Wembley Stadium's Empire Stadium on Saturday 30 July 1966, kicking off at 3pm before 96,924 spectators. England beat West Germany 4–2 after extra time — the first and only time the men's World Cup has been won by England, and the last final decided by extra-time goals until 1978.
How the match unfolded
The goals: Haller (12') for West Germany; Hurst (18') and Peters (78') for England; Weber (89') forcing extra time; then Hurst again in the 101st and 120th minutes. Hurst's second — awarded after the ball bounced down off the crossbar — remains the most analysed goal in football; modern computer simulations suggest it probably did not fully cross the line, which only deepens its legend.
The stage and the audience
The final drew a UK television audience of 32.3 million — still the most-watched broadcast in British history, ahead of Princess Diana's funeral. The match was broadcast in black and white; the famous colour footage seen today comes from film cameras at the ground. The old Wembley, with its Twin Towers, hosted the final; it was demolished in 2003 and replaced by the current 90,000-capacity stadium with its arch.
The teams
England: Banks; Cohen, Wilson, Stiles, Charlton (J), Moore (c); Ball, Hurst, Charlton (R), Hunt, Peters. West Germany's side included a 20-year-old Franz Beckenbauer, who would later win the World Cup as both captain (1974) and manager (1990). The two nations' rivalry in tournament football largely dates from this afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The 1966 World Cup Final at Wembley was on a Saturday, 30 July 1966.
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