Copa 2006

A goal that never existed by English player Hurst in the final against Germany is the early image of the first and only World Cup won by England. Hurst’s shot that dashed against the horizontal bar and never passed through the goal line. In the final, the English won 4-2, after a 2-2 tie in overtime and conquered a World Cup characterized by violence and rude play.

Disappointment came from Brazil and Italy. The South American national team failed to show the performance achieved in previous years and was disqualified in the first round, defeated 3-1 by the Portuguese. Italy was beaten 1-0 by North Korea in a historial defeat.

Semi-finals were epic. England defeated Portugal and Germany beat the Soviet Union, both 2-1. It was said that England and Germany were benefited by the referee to reach the last round.

In the final, claims by the German team were heard, since a goal by Hurst that never passed through the goal line was considered valid, and gave the English a 2-2 tie in the two halves. During overtime, two goals were scored by the host team who, thus, won their first and only World Cup.

A dog called Pickles was the 1966 World Cup top hero. In a London suburb bush, the dog found the Jules Rimet Cup that had been stolen on the eve of the tournament.