11 Classic FIFA World Cup Matches
2. England Vs. Germany (1966, World Cup Final)
The 1966 final remains England's greatest game, whilst being one of the most entertaining World Cup finals to boot. England had a true golden generation of players, amongst them Gordon Banks, Bobbys Moore and Charlton, and Jimmy Greaves. However, it was Geoff Hurst, who wasn't exactly a first team regular in the side, who won the World Cup for England.
England didn't start the game particularly well, as Germany went in front with a Haller goal in the opening 15 minutes. However, Hurst headed England level soon after, and the Three Lions had one hand on the Jules Rimet trophy when Peters scored with just12 minutes left to play. However, a late German equalizer denied England victory in the regular 90 minutes.
The match went to extra time, and Hurst restored England's lead in the first half of extra time with a shot that sent the ball bouncing off the crossbar and seemingly over the line. To this day, whether it was a goal is disputed, but it was given nonetheless.
Some people thought it was all over at that, and when Hurst completed his hat-trick with England's fourth, it was. English football has lived in the shadow of the success ever since.