To this day, the 1966 World Cup is still remembered for Geoff Hurst's controversial third goal in the final. England defeated West Germany 4-2 and became the first country in 32 years to win the trophy at home.

Despite meticulous planning, the Jules Rimet trophy was stolen while on display at an exhibition at Westminster's Central Hall four months before the start of the tournament. Faced with the prospect of a World Cup without a trophy, the Football Association called in Scotland Yard to find the prized possession. But it was a black and white mongrel, 'Pickles', who sniffed out the trophy in a South London garden.

The football was not of the highest quality in the early stages, as the game itself had become more defensive in nature. Also, individual brilliance had made way for tactics.

In Group One, England quietly moved into the quarter-finals without ever really showing what they were capable of. They drew with Uruguay in their first match but then went on to post victories over Mexico and France to emerge on top in their group.

In Group Two, West Germany and Argentina proved to be too good for Spain and Switzerland.

Group Three was the 'Group of Death' and it was no surprise that the biggest upset took place in this group. Brazil, twice World champions and defending champions as well, could not qualify for the quarters. Pele, as in 1962, was the victim of a series of harsh tackles. He returned to Brazil, threatening to never play in the World Cup again.

The emergence of Eusebio Ferreira da Silva coincided with Brazil and Pele's ouster. Eusebio, know as 'The Black Panther', possessed dazzling speed and had a cannon ball shot. These two characteristics made him the top scorer of the tournament with nine goals. He scored two to send Brazil packing and confirmed Portugal's new status as favourites for the crown.

But the biggest surprise was yet to come. In Group Four, North Korea, a team with virtually no international experience, defeated Italy. A goal from Pak-Doo-ik, an army dentist, took North Korea into the quarters.

North Korea almost pulled of another upset, when they led Portugal 3-0. But the brilliance of Eusebio shone through as he thudded in four goals. Portugal ran out 5-3 winners in the end, but the Asian nation's performances in 1966 will be etched in memory.

England had beaten Argentina in the other quarter-final. In an ill-tempered match, Hurst scored the game's only goal in the second half to send England through to the semis. The England manager, Alf Ramsey, was so offended by the conduct of the Argentines that he did not allow his players to exchange shirts with them.

West Germany defeated the Soviet Union in the first semi-final and even Eusebio couldn't save Portugal from defeat against England in the second.

The stage was set for the most talked about, televised, controversial final in the history of the game. A pity that the match is not remembered for the thrilling game it was but for the controversial third goal; even 36 years later passions still flare up among English and German supporters when talk of the goal occurs.

The final is still fresh in memory. West Germany had taken an early lead, with Helmut Haller capitalising on an error by Ray Wilson. England were not disheartened, and six minutes later were back on level terms, with Hurst doing the honours.

With 12 minutes to go in the match, England finally took the lead, when Martin Peters scored. Seconds before the final whistle, Germany conjured up a heart-breaking equalizer and sent the game into extra-time.

It was now that Alf Ramsey told his boys that they had beaten their opponents once before and had got to do it again.

Ramsey's speech inspired his team to greater heights and England scored two goals in extra-time to become World champions.