Fifa World Cup 1966 - Host Nation England

The nation of England celebrated the game of football in the summer of 1966 as they brought the Jules Rimet trophy home, finally. This was the success that the English fans craved for since the commencement of the World Cup.

Fans turned out in their droves around England in one of the best ever attended World Cups and it was only a shame the football on the field did not match up to the support given by the public.

One of the most interesting stories about the 1996 World Cup was that the Jules Rimet trophy was stolen at an exhibition in March and FIFA prepared themselves to stage the World Cup without the trophy, however a dog named, Pickles saved the day and found it wrapped up in newspaper in some bushes in South London.

England came out of their group as winners without conceding a goal. Portugal won all their three first round games and even knocked out twice winners of the cup Brazil.

One of the surprise packages of the tournament was North Korea with a victory over Italy which was one of the all-time greatest shocks in world football. The defeat sent Italy home as well.

England beat Argentina in a match began the animosity between these two nations and continues to this day even friendly matches between these two teams are now fierce affairs.

The semi finals saw the Germans beat the Soviet Union 2-1. With Franz Beckenbauer scoring West Germany's second goal. Bobby Charlton put a stop to Portugal and Eusebio's run in the World Cup when he scored twice to send England to the final. Eusebio scored his ninth goal in the bronze match when Portugal beat the Soviet Union and took home the Golden boot award.

The final produced lots of drama as England faced West Germany at Wembley. England eventually won in extra-time and became the third host nation to win the World Cup.