1966 World Cup final goal line to be auctioned on September 29

London, Sept.11 : Football fans can now buy a piece of World Cup history for the first time.

According to The Sun, the goal line from England's 1966 win is up for auction.

That win triggered years of debate thanks to Geoff Hurst's all-important shot with the score tied at 2-2. The ball beat keeper Hans Tilkowski, hit the bar and crashed straight back down again.

The Germans protested it had not crossed the line but the goal was allowed.

England won 4-2, prompting commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme's immortal: "Some people are on the pitch - they think it's all over. It is now!"

A groundsman gave the goal line to TV sports executive Bob Gardam when the Wembley pitch was re-turfed three years after the win over West Germany.

He laid it in his lawn in the shape of a victory sign. Now the new owner of the Herts house is donating it to the National Football Museum.

But seven 1ft 6in sections will be sold in a web auction with some of the profit going to charity UNICEF UK.

Bob, 70, said of the turf offer: "At first I was so knackered I couldn't be bothered.

"Then I thought, 'Hold on!' I drove my car on to the pitch and some chaps dug out the line for me."

The auction at www.kingsturge.co.uk runs to September 29.

ANI