8 surprising facts of English football's greatest day
On July 30, 1966, history was made in English football. Wembley, the most legendary of stages, witnessed England lift the one and only trophy in the history of a footballing nation.
It is known by many that England beat Germany 4-2 in the final which took place at Wembley in 1966. Geoff Hurst's hat-trick is slightly overshadowed by the doubt surrounding the validity of his extra-time strike. Martin Peters scored the other goal as the Three Lions completed a comeback having gone behind in the first half.
The obvious facts are evident, but there are more surprising details which happened on that 30th of July, to date the pinnacle of success for English football.
1) There was room for more at Wembley
Despite the huge 97,000 people crowd inside the stadium, Wembley did not sell out. There was room for 76 more fans.
2) Muhammad Ali could not watch the whole game
Then 24 years old, the world heavyweight champion was at Wembley, but left half way through the fixture.
3) The trophy was switched for a replica
As the English players celebrated the win, the FA decided not to take any chances and swapped the real Jules Rimet trophy for a fake.
4) George Best was there
The Manchester United star was in the stands, and even picked up a speeding ticket on the M1 as he made his way to the stadium in his white Jaguar.
5) Ray Wilson was in pain
In the iconic picture of Bobby Moore lifting the trophy on Geoff Hurst and Ray Wilson's shoulders, the latter can be seen squinting with pain. He later said: 'There’s Geoff, six foot tall, me five foot seven… I’ve got Bobby Moore on my shoulders and you can almost see me saying ‘For Christ’s sake!'
6) England's third goal could not be proven
The only slow-motion machine in Britain was at Wembley at the time. However, it failed to prove whether Hurst's strike was over the line.
7) England's most crucial victory over Germany happened 6 years before
In 1960, the decision over who would host the 1966 World Cup was made. FIFA voted and England won by 34 votes to 27.
8) England hadn't been behind until the final
England conceded their first goal against Portugal in the semi-final as Eusebio netted a late consolation penalty. Helmut Haller's opener in the final was the first time in the tournament England had gone behind on the scoreboard.