Thursday, August 23, 2007
1966 reunion
In a week when refereeing decisions have been to the fore, it was fitting that the most controversial in football history was re-opened yesterday in the shadow of the new Wembley arch.
The two principal protagonists relived the breath-holding moment when Geoff Hurst's second strike in the 1966 World Cup Final was under scrutiny by match officials. His shot had struck the underside of the crossbar and bounced down on to the line before being scrambled clear — but a goal was ultimately given.
Hurst and Hans Tilkowski, the West Germany goalkeeper that fateful day in July 1966, met up at Northwick Park on a sports field just a goal-kick from Wembley Stadium.
Tilkowski, despite his limited English, was quick to pass on his sympathy over the death in April of Alan Ball, the man who supplied the centre that led to Hurst's historic goal.
The Borussia Dortmund legend, who played in the 1962 and 1966 World Cups, still looks sprightly at 72 and there was a mischievous glint in his eye as he handed the now-Sir Geoff a copy of his recent autobiography.
The two principal protagonists relived the breath-holding moment when Geoff Hurst's second strike in the 1966 World Cup Final was under scrutiny by match officials. His shot had struck the underside of the crossbar and bounced down on to the line before being scrambled clear — but a goal was ultimately given.
Hurst and Hans Tilkowski, the West Germany goalkeeper that fateful day in July 1966, met up at Northwick Park on a sports field just a goal-kick from Wembley Stadium.
Tilkowski, despite his limited English, was quick to pass on his sympathy over the death in April of Alan Ball, the man who supplied the centre that led to Hurst's historic goal.
The Borussia Dortmund legend, who played in the 1962 and 1966 World Cups, still looks sprightly at 72 and there was a mischievous glint in his eye as he handed the now-Sir Geoff a copy of his recent autobiography.
