Germany’s 1966 goalkeeper Tilkowski dies at 84, England’s Hurst pays tribute

Germany’s 1966 World Cup final goalkeeper Hans Tilkowski has died at the age of 84.

The former Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper was in goal in the Wembley final, which hosts England won 4-2.

Ex-England forward Geoff Hurst, whose hat trick in that match remains the only treble in World Cup final history, posted a touching tribute to Tilkowski on social media.

“Very sad to receive a call earlier to let me know that Germany’s goalkeeper from 66 World Cup, Hans Tilkowski, has died,” Hurst’s tweet read.

“Terrific player for his club, Borussia Dortmund, and country and a very fine man, I very much enjoyed the time we spent together over the years.”

Hurt’s second goal, which had put England 3-2 ahead in extra-time, has been the subject of much controversy since, with many questioning whether the ball had crossed the line — and Tilkowski having always maintained it should not have stood.

“Most people told me the Wembley goal made me world famous, but I say that I would have rather won the World Cup,” Tilkowski said in an interview with Dortmund’s fanzine schwatzgelb.de in 2016.

Tilkowski won 39 caps for Germany and was also a 1966 European Cup Winners’ Cup winner with Borussia Dortmund.

The 2-1 victory over Bill Shankly’s Liverpool ensured Dortmund became the first German side to win a European trophy.

Tilkowski’s death comes just two weeks after that of former England player Martin Peters, who scored in the 1966 World Cup final.