On July 3, 1966, one of the most iconic moments in sports history occurred during the FIFA World Cup final at Wembley Stadium in London, England. The match was between the host nation, England, and West Germany.
In a thrilling and closely contested game, the score was tied 2-2 after 90 minutes, sending the final into extra time. In the 101st minute, England's star striker Geoff Hurst found himself with the ball at his feet inside the West German penalty area. He unleashed a powerful shot that struck the underside of the crossbar, bounced down, and spun back into play. The English players celebrated, believing they had scored, while the Germans protested, claiming the ball had not crossed the line.
Swiss referee Gottfried Dienst was unsure whether to award the goal and consulted with Soviet linesman Tofiq Bahramov. After a moment of uncertainty, Bahramov signaled that the ball had indeed crossed the line, and the goal was given. This decision has been debated for decades, with inconclusive video evidence and conflicting eyewitness accounts adding to the controversy.
England went on to score another goal in the dying minutes of the match, with Hurst completing his hat-trick and sealing a 4-2 victory for the Three Lions. This triumph marked England's first and, to date, only World Cup title.
The "Wembley Goal," as it has come to be known, remains one of the most disputed and iconic moments in football history. It showcased the drama, passion, and occasional controversy that make the beautiful game so captivating for millions of fans around the world.
