Football’s Greatest Goals No.42
This week’s ‘Greatest Goal’ is one that comes from Bobby Charlton’s trusty right boot. He was renowned for his long-range efforts and scored from many of these over his illustrious career. The goal that I am going to write about is one of these thunderbolts.
Charlton was playing for England against Mexico in their second match of the 1966 World Cup. Their first match against Uruguay had been a disappointing affair and ended goalless. A victory over the Mexicans was vital if England were to progress to the knockout stage.
35 minutes into the game, England’s Roger Hunt put the ball in the back of the net, only for the Italian referee to disallow it for a push by Hunt’s strike partner Martin Peters. Two minutes later, Bobby Charlton would find the back of the net with a goal that England on their way to victory.
Receiving the ball inside his own half, Charlton had plenty of time and space to look up and start running with the ball towards the Mexico goal.
He carried the ball forward down the centre of the pitch completely unchallenged, rapidly building up speed. As the Mexico defence tracked back, their captain Gustavo Pena decided to slow down and block Charlton’s path to goal. He was a good ten yards away from the England midfielder, who decided to drop a shoulder and move to the right.
Charlton took another touch and was now about 30 yards from goal. Commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme knew what was coming and suggested
“Maybe a shot from Charlton?….”
It was as if the Manchester United star had heard the call from the commentary box high in the stands as he nudged the ball in front of him before thumping the ball hard at goal.
“worth trying…” shouted Wolstenholme as the ball flew towards goal past Mexico goalkeeper Ignacio Calderon. It crashed into the back of the net, hitting the stanchion and bouncing back out of the net, passing Calderon who lay in a heap in the goalmouth. He never stood a chance of reaching the ball and lay with his face pressed down on the Wembley turf as a roar of delight cascaded around the stadium.
“A great goal! A beauty!” cried Wolstenholme as Charlton leapt in the air, clearly delighted with his effort.
We all know what happened next. England won the World Cup and Charlton scored both of England’s goals in their 2-1 win over Portugal in the Semi Final. This was the pick of the three and was significant as it was the host’s first goal of the tournament.
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