This Day in History: 2023-03-30

Nr. 436

RAMSEY’S STIRRING WORDS (1966)

England’s controversial third goal was 100% proof of manager Alf Ramsey’s inspirational powers. Striker Geoff Hurst was just one England player to have taken Ramsey’s motivational words to heart and his goal set deflated English players back on a World Cup-winning path after German Wolfgang Weber had equalized with just 15 seconds of the first 90 minutes to go. With 30 minutes of extra time looming, and with the calm demeanour of an Enghsh gentleman, Ramsey prepared his team for more effort in a game they thought they had won. He firmly told them they had already won it once; but they had the skills to go out and do it again. He is quoted as saying, «You let it slip. Now start again.»

After conceding such a late equalizer Ramsey had his work cut out to motivate players who thought they had the match won in normal time.