How Geoff Hurst became England's World Cup hat-trick hero

Geoff Hurst became England’s World Cup hat-trick hero through the decisive moment of the 1966 final, when he scored three goals against West Germany at Wembley. The article recounts that in the final minute of extra time, Bobby Moore launched a long pass to the unmarked Hurst, who, exhausted, chose to strike “as hard as I can,” later recalling that he mis-hit it as it flew in. Born in 1941 in Ashton-under-Lyne, Hurst grew up playing alongside his father Charlie, a professional footballer, and began training with West Ham at age 15. He earned an international call-up in February 1966 and, after Jimmy Greaves was injured in a warm-up match against France, Hurst played in the quarter-final versus Argentina and scored England’s only goal. He was selected by Alf Ramsey for the final after press reports urged Greaves’ inclusion. The piece notes England will face Norway later.