Jim recalls England's glory day in 1966

Saturday 30th July marks the 50th anniversary of England’s World Cup win.

It’s a running joke that every time there is a major Championship England’s win on home soil in 1966 is always mentioned.

One Coleraine man was there to see them lift the Jules Rimet trophy on that famous day in July.

“I actually thought West Germany were the better team on the day,” Jim White told Times Sport.

“As for THAT goal, I don’t think it was in, I was sitting in line with the net and I don’t think it crossed the line. It changed the game and England took over in extra time.

“To be honest though I was sort of glad someone won on the day as it would have went to a replay if it had finished all square after extra time.

“I don’t know if I would have been able to stay on for that game as it would have been played on the following Tuesday night.

“The atmosphere was very special, the fans were overjoyed when the whistle went at the end.”

Jim Managed to take in a number of games during the tournament.

He was lucky enough to see one of the most eventful games in World Cup history when outsiders North Korea rushed into a three goal lead against high rated Portugal.

“I had tickets for a few games up in the north of England,” explained Jim.

“I went to the Portugal Brazil game aHungary Brazil game at Goodison. It was great to see such fantastic players as Eusebio and Pele in their prime.

“It was a bit of a shock as Brazil were knocked out as they finished third behind Hungary and Portugal.

“But there was almost an even bigger shock in the quarter finals when Portugal played North Korea.

“We couldn’t believe it as North Korea went three up, but Portugal showed their class coming back to win. I went to theri semi final with England which was a superb game.”