The Argentine national team advanced to the final of the World Cup by defeating England 2:1 in the semi-finals. After this result, a name was frequently recalled among football fans: Tofiq Bahramov.
Modern.az recalls that Azerbaijani Tofiq Bahramov, considered one of the most famous referees in world football history, was a linesman in the final of the 1966 World Cup held in England.
In extra time of the decisive match between England and Germany, after Geoff Hurst's shot, the ball hit the crossbar, bounced down, and returned to the field. The main referee, Swiss Gottfried Dienst, consulted linesman Tofiq Bahramov to determine the episode. The Azerbaijani referee indicated that the ball had crossed the goal line, and the goal was recorded. That match resulted in England's 4:2 victory and their only World Cup title in history.
This episode later became known as the "Wembley Goal" in football history. Despite almost six decades having passed, that decision is still considered one of the most debated referee decisions in football history.
Tofiq Bahramov's name has held a special place in world football after this incident. The Republican Stadium in Baku was named after him, and a monument to the legendary referee was erected in front of the stadium.
