England v Germany World Cup 1966

23+/21-		ENGLAND
		Banks 2+/2-
BACKLINE	Cohen 2+/2-	Charlton 1+/3-	Moore 2+/2-	Wilson 3+/1-
		Stiles 3+/1-
	Ball 2+/2-	Charlton 3+/1-	Peters 0+/4-
STRIKERS	Hurst 3+/1-		Hunt 2+/2-

 

17+/27-		GERMANY
		Tillkowsky 0+/4-
BACKLINE	Hottges 1+/3-	Schultz 4+/0-	Webber 1+/3-	Schnelinger 1+/3-
	Beckenbauer 2+/2-		Overath 2+/2-
STRIKERS	Haller 0+/4-	Seeler 1+/3-	Held 3+/1-	Emmerich 2+/2-

If you look at the above, the first thing that strikes you is the formation of the two teams. It could be said that one formation outshone the other. However, I read it completely differently.

England were far more dynamic in their make-up being 23+ out of a potential 44± as opposed to Germany who were only 17+ meaning they were 27-. The minus in this case makes them a defensive team with a short spontaneous sporadic – hopeful -attack. The England 23+ gave them greater attacking power and opportunity, which they availed of in the extra time being fearful of a penalty shoot out. And they won in that short time 2-0 and 4-2 overall.

England had four players who were 3+/1- types. Dynamic, determined, enthusiastic, energetic all comes to mind and more to the point they were spread out to cover all four sections of the team. Germany had only one of this type. England had more than a liberal sprinkling of 2+/2- types who can balance equally between attack and defence. Germany had only three and worse had two 0+/4- types including the goalkeeper and even a 1+/3- (perfect defender type) as a centre forward.   England front was perfectly balanced and even had a 0+/4- type (Peters) in the line to counter and absorb any defensive attack.

This was the greatest line-up England could have ever produced and has never been able to replicate. Any team manager out there who seriously looks at this will find a rich seam of measurement for winning matches. It doesn’t have to be accidental or hopeful.