1966 world cup final

England 4- West Germany 2 after extra time.

On 30 July 1966, 96000, largely English, fans crowded into Wembley stadium. Up until then England had never been defeated by Germany, they had home advantage, and had only allowed in one goal throughout the whole competition. Unsurprisingly, England was firm favorites. Yet rain would be a component in this game, making the field muddy and slippery, so there would be goals, for there would be more mistakes than the normal.
It was an error that created the first goal, Ray Wilson of England headed the ball out of defense straight into the area of West Germany’s Helmut Haller, there was no reprieve, and only 13 minutes had elapsed. Fortunately for England, parity was restored six minutes when a fast taken free kick found an unmarked Geoff Hurst at the near post of the German goal; the West Ham link had been formed and the score line was level. However, the well-marshaled Germans refused to buckle; and England, despite enjoying the majority of possession, were unable to break through. At half time both sides departed for the dressing rooms with the choice being very much in doubt. More rain failed to influence the pattern of the match when it re commenced, England’s marginal superiority not translating into anything quantifiable. England terrier Alan Ball just would not give up; a shot at goal ending in Tilkowski, in goal for Germany, to concede a corner after 78 minutes. Ball picked up the ball and anticipatingly took the corner, which reached Geoff Hurst, Hurst shot, the shot span off the foot of Germany’s Hottges towards Martin Peters; the ghost had arrived, and as was to occur many times in his career, the calmly taken shot defeated the opposition’s goalkeeper. Ten minutes later Bobby Charlton had the opportunity to end the game, but he was off-target. Then right at the end the referee decided that Jack Charlton, Bobby’s brother, had fouled Held of West Germany. Emmerich smashed the free kick, his shot cannoned off Schnellinger’s back, who had infiltrated the England wall, which allowed Held to chaotically pass to Weber, courtesy of George Cohen’s knee, at the far post and kick the ball goal wards.
Extra time, a potentially deflating time for the England players who had believed the tie was won. Happily, Ramsey discovered the correct words to summon the spirits to renew the battle: “You’ve beaten them on one occasion, now you’ve got to do it again. Look at them, they’re finished!” Two exhausted sides rose to finish the contest. After ten minutes the indefatigable Alan Ball chased a long ball punted up field by Nobby Stiles, meeting it just before the right hand corner flag, Ball turned and assisted to Geoff Hurst, who was on the corner of the six yard box; Hurst swiveled with the ball and shot, with Schulz of West Germany inbound attempting to tackle him, the ball struck the upright and headed straight down. The ball swirled out of the goal which allowed Weber to head it away. Immediately England’s Roger Hunt rose his hand to claim the goal, several West German players put theirs to protest that the ball had not crossed the line, but what had happened? Gottfried Dienst of Switzerland, who had done a great job of refereeing the final, was close to the action, but he was genuinely uncertain. A position that is readily comprehensible to anyone who has viewed this incident. Dienst turned to linesman Bakhramov from the Soviet Union; Bakhramov, too, was admirably positioned, being positioned level with the goal. A weary Geoff Hurst had his hands on his knees, he had visibly wilted. Pandemonium broke out when Bakhramov pointed to the centre circle. The serried ranks of England supporters thought there was no way back for West Germany. However, had the ball crossed the line? There was a motor camera placed in line with the goal line, this now proves that the ball did not wholly cross the line, thus the referee was wrong. At the end of the match an expectant jubilant crowd started to come on the pitch, yet the referee had not blown the whistle. Bobby Moore sped a precise pass up field to Geoff Hurst; as Moore’s pass was hit into the German net by Hurst.

England 4-1 Holland (Euro 96 Group Match June 1996)
With the support for the English football side growing, the nation was ripe for the next twist of the tale after a glorious 2-0 victory over Scotland. Holland were one of the favorites to win Euro 96 as they had brilliance and skill. Paul Ince was fouled early on in the penalty box and England was awarded a penalty that Alan Shearer comfortably converted. Teddy Sheringham headed the second for England, several minutes into the second half. Clever connection play between Sherringham and Shearer ended in a third goal by Alan Shearer. Gascoigne set up Sheringham for England’s fourth and victory was secured. Patrick Kluivert smashed in a late consolation for Holland; however England won this great match 4-1.