Sunday, May 3, 1998 Published at 17:27 GMT 18:27 UK

Meet the BBC Team

England: "a team to be proud of" [22'']

This was England's greatest triumph. Geoff Hurst became the only player to score a hat-trick in the final. But "that goal" remains the subject of fierce debate.

Who played?

Bobby Moore with the trophy

Despite the withdrawal of 15 African nations in protest at FIFA regulations, a record was set with 70 teams playing in the qualifiers. Of those, four went through from South America, one from North and Central America and 10 from Europe.

Portugal were in the finals for the first time, in the same group as holders Brazil.

What happened?

England opened the finals with a no-score bore against Uruguay. But things livened up when Brazil began the defence of their title with a 2-0 win over Bulgaria.

Pele was impressive his second World Cup, but he missed Brazil's next match against Hungary through injury and limped out of the decider against Portugal. Brazil lost both matches and crashed out of the finals.

Portugal's star, Eusebio

In Pele's absence the public warmed to the skills of Eusebio Da Silva Ferreira of Portugal who scored nine championship goals.

Four of those came against North Korea in the match of the tournament as Portugal fought back from 3-0 down to win 4-3.

Eusebio also scored from the spot in the semi-final. But Portugal lost 2-1 to England.

Bobby Moore: "You realised you were on the threshold of greatness" [1'26'']

In the final, a late German goal halted England's premature celebrations and took the game into extra-time at 2-2. Cue Hurst, not even a first choice striker before the tournament. He scored two more as England won 4-2.

Any lasting memories?

The Russian linesman was convinced Hurst's shot landed over the goalline after crashing down from the bar. Thirty years on it still defies TV replays. It did not matter to England.

That goal! Geoff Hurst's controversial fourth

As Hurst burst through to score number four and fans raced onto the field, commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme told BBC's viewers: "Some people are on the pitch, they think it's all over - it is now."

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