This Day in History: 2023-03-27

Nr. 433

LOSERS APPLAUD CHARLTON’S DOUBLE (1966)

Professional appreciation of a fine performance was behind the post-match hands proffered to Bobby Charlton by Portugal’s players, because the goals of the midfielder/striker with the famous and ferocious rocket shot had ensured England a place in the World Cup final at Wembley. Charlton opened the scoring against Portugal on 26 July with a crisp side-footed finish after a run by Roger Hunt had forced the Portuguese goalkeeper to come out of his goal. Charlton’s winner – after Eusebio had equalized- was a sweetly-struck shot created by a run and pull-back from Geoff Hurst.

Charlton strikes home the winner that signalled the end of Portugal’s participation in the World Cup and won England a place in the final.