This Day in History: 2023-03-09

Nr. 421

TELEVISION MAKES HISTORY (1966)

England’s match against Uruguay in front of 87,000 World Cup fans at Wembley Stadium on 11 July 1966 marked the start of a history-making tournament. It was the year the World Cup trophy was stolen; it was the yeai that England won the title for the first and so far only time; and it was the first time that television coverage featured action-replays. This revolutionary technique was the brainchild of Bryan Cowgill, the head of BBC Sport who was responsible for bringing sporting programmes Grandstand and Match of the Day to a grateful nation. Unfortunately, there were no goal replays in that England match as it ended 0-0.

The new technology enhanced the game’s TV appeal though debate still rages about whether replays should be used during the game.