The remarkable exploits of the North Korean team, who arrived in Europe as complete unknowns, endeared them to the public in Middlesbrough, where they were based. Italy, were eliminated and went home in disgrace while the Soviet Union, regarded as strong dark horses to win the tournament, finished with maximum points.
You are welcome to contact me with corrections or additions.
1966 Overview | Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 | Group 4 | Knock Out Stages
Soviet Union
North Korea
For half an hour, the diminutive North Koreans held their opponents at bay, buzzing around and making the opposing defenders look ponderous. Gradually the Soviets used their strength to take control, body-checking and forcing the Koreans off the ball and they scored twice in three minutes. In the second half North Korea continued to play with energy but there was no way back and Malofeyev scored a third for the Soviet Union just before the end of the match.
(Michael Scott, Andre Silva)
Italy
Chile
Italy exacted revenge for the Battle of Santiago four years ago in a match that was played out in a much more even-tempered manner. Mazzola put them ahead in the tenth minute and for the rest of the game, Italy were content to protect their lead. Barrison scored from 20 yards in the closing minutes.
Chile
North Korea
After Chile took the lead from a penalty in the 27th minute, there was no doubt who the Middlesbrough public were backing. Roared on by a modest crowd, the North Koreans launched constant attacks and then, in the closing minutes, Pak Seung-Zin seized on a poor clearance and slotted home the equaliser.
Soviet Union
Italy
With a certain place in the quarter-finals at stake, neither side was prepared to take any chances and the match descended into a dreary defensive battle. The Soviet team were allowed to hold the initiative while Italy sat back to protect their goal. In the end, their lack of enterprise cost them the match after Malofeyev finally made some space on his left and crossed to Chislenko who scored.
North Korea
Italy
Italy expected an easy win and with it a place in the next round but they paid for being complacent and relying almost totally on defence. With less than three minutes left, the ball was half cleared from the Italian penalty area. Pak Seung-Zin drove it back in with his head and Pak Doo-Ik pounced to slam it past Albertosi. The crowd, as they say, went wild and Italy went home.
Soviet Union
Chile
A win for Chile would have seen them through to the next round at the expense of North Korea on goal average. The Soviets fielded a reserve side having already secured qualification. Chile made the early running but fell behind when Porkujan scored. Six minutes later they were back in the match thanks to Marcos but in the closing minutes, Porkujan sprinted onto a long clearance from Lev Yashin and scored again.