It took 36 years for soccer’s greatest competitors to be hosted by the nation the place it was first performed.
Host: England
Groups: 16
Format: Group stage, knockouts
Matches: 32
Objectives: 89
Winner: England
Runners-up: West Germany
Golden boot: Eusebio (Portugal)
Background
It took 36 years for soccer’s greatest competitors to be hosted by the nation the place it was first performed. When the World Cup returned to Europe after eight years, England was chosen to host the event for the primary time.
Drug testing was launched. The event was unfold throughout seven cities and eight stadiums.
Wembley Stadium in London, with a capability of practically 100,000 individuals, hosted probably the most matches (9), together with the ultimate and all of England’s video games.
African nations boycotted the event after their demand for a assured spot in the primary draw wasn’t met.
European groups made up greater than half of the primary draw. They had been joined by squads from the Americas and North Korea, which was the one Asian consultant.
England opened the event with a boring draw in opposition to Uruguay, however each groups made it into the knockouts. Different European groups and Argentina additionally superior, and North Korea sprang a shock by qualifying for the quarterfinals after beating Italy.
Portugal appeared robust contenders for the title with their high-scoring outcomes largely helped by striker Eusebio’s 9 objectives within the event. He propelled Portugal into the semis, the place they narrowly misplaced to England.
The England-West Germany last, performed in a packed Wembley Stadium, turned out to be a traditional.
England had been about to file their first world title, however the Germans equalised within the final minute.
Geoff Hurst, who made England’s first aim, scored what has remained one probably the most controversial objectives in a World Cup last. His shot hit the crossbar and bounced on the aim line, and a aim was awarded to England, setting off a decades-long debate.
Hurst accomplished his hat-trick, the one participant to attain one in a World Cup last, on the finish of additional time and in the midst of a pitch invasion.
Highs
This was the primary World Cup to be broadcast by way of satellite tv for pc. Floodlights had been used for the primary time.
Eusebio scored 9 objectives, together with a hat-trick, to take his nation to the semifinals for the primary time.
The World Cup trophy was stolen whereas on show 4 months earlier than the event. It was recovered by a canine named Pickles after it was dumped in a backyard.
Lows
African groups boycotted the event after they weren’t assured a spot in the primary draw.
Two-time winners and defending champions Brazil didn’t advance to the quarterfinals after Pele was injured within the group matches.
Italy had been additionally knocked out early after shedding two video games, together with one to North Korea.