And without making the portuguese team to make an all night train trip just before the semifinal, after the organization changed (last minute) the schedule of the 66 world cup.

Martins, London, UK

what a silly statement. It is like saying the allies would have lost WW2 without Churchill. Who would have played instead of Ball - maybe someone who scored goals etc etc etc . Football is a TEAM game

Brian, KL, Malaysia

According to Glanville; the author of this article in one of his books, West Germany should have never had the opportunity for a free kick with which they got their second goal; so I think, the whole argument over Hurst's thrid goal being good is academic.

Alex, Bloomington, MN

I was at Wembley in `66.
After the late German equaliser from a free kick given against Jack Charlton (which was not a foul anyway) the English team looked beaten.
The Germans could hardly wait for extra time to start.
I,however,disagree with Brian Glanville (now he is what I call Football Reporter).
Alan Ball did save the game, but within 5 mins of the restart.
He had not stopped running.Suddenly he let one fly from about 20 yds. It clipped the crossbar and went over.
From that very moment the Germans, and more importantly the English knew the game was not yet over.
Brian, where did it all go ?

Peter Bolt, Redditch (Aston Villa ), UK

We know quite well that it didn't cross the line, there are several pieces of film and still photos that make this quite clear. It is bewildering that anyone is still trying to argue that there's any uncertainty on the subject. This does not alter the fact that both Ball's run and Hurst's turn and shot were terrific.

Stuart Mackenzie, Glasgow, Scotland

What can one say about a much under regarded man.
He was part of my life in the 60s and along with the rest of the class of 66 gave us a pride in sport not felt since. You inspired a generation.
If only the young talent of today could have a little of Alans pride, dedication, honisty and commitment to our beautifull game then we may just feel that total pride and exitement again.
God bless you Alan and thank you for being just you.

Geoff, Eastbourne, Sussex

And what a game that was. Allan, as always, was the complete team player. But then, so were all the others.
I was hosting a meeting of European managers that week. As host I had placed each of the attendees in the same hotel.And the German, who had served with the German air force, and was 300% teutonic, invited us all to watch the match in his hotel room.
Apart from he and myself there were an Amrican (who claimed he was only there for the beer (and could he have it cold please)) A Dutchman who hated everything German, an Austrian who was determined to remain neutral, A Swede, who was devoid of conversation, a Frenchman, who was never backward in proving his own superiority. As host, I provided four misclaneous crates of beer and a few dozen sandwiches.
By the end of the game even the American was eulogising through a Guiness inspired haze. By the end of the extra time There was dead silence. We were all exhausted physicaly and emotionaly.

norman, Worthing, England