AT CLOSE QUARTERS

Argentina are called ‘animals’ by Sir Alf after Hurst’s winner

ONE of the most controversial matches in England’s history ended with manager Alf Ramsey calling the Argentina team “animals”.

The South Americans had skipper Antonio Rattin sent off for “violence of the tongue” – dissent – by Rudolf Kreitlein, although the German referee spoke no Spanish.

Rattin refused to leave the pitch initially – and when he did, sat on the red carpet reserved for the Queen.

Geoff Hurst scored the only goal of the game 12 minutes from time to send England through to the last four and a date with Portugal. England boss Ramsey was so incensed he ran on the pitch at the end to stop right-back George Cohen swapping shirts with the Argentina players.

Sir Alf ’s post-match “animals” comment fuelled anti-British feeling in Latin America, where it was claimed the game had been ‘fixed’.

In Uruguay’s capital Montevideo, there were protests outside the British embassy, which was plagued with abusive phone calls.

Our embassy in Buenos Aires needed extra protection. Argentina were welcomed back by their military dictator as the moral winners of the tournament.

England have been in the World Cup quarter-finals eight times – but progressed to the last four just twice in 1966 and 1990.... WAR AT WEMBLEY Geoff Hurst celebrates with Alan Ball after hitting a 78th-minute winner while Argentina captain Antonio...