Flashback: When Pickles, The Dog, Saved The 1966 FIFA World Cup

Pickles had recovered the stolen trophy from a car.

The 1966 World Cup Trophy, and Pickles

(Photo: FIFA/ Facebook)

A dog saving one of the grandest sports tournaments of all time – the FIFA World Cup – may sound unbelievable and ridiculous, but the story is true.

England had put up a brilliant performance in the 1966 World Cup and etched their name in history by lifting the trophy that year. But they might not have been able to lift the trophy if it were not for ‘Pickles’.

The World Cup trophy was stolen on 20 March, 1966 – the second day of the trophy’s public display – in England. In spite of concerted efforts and investigation, the trophy could not be found.

The incident was kept confidential and the talks of a replica trophy were already underway.

But on 27 March that year, the police received a call from Dave Corbett, a resident of Norwood, South London, claiming that he had recovered the trophy.

Pickles was constantly going around my neighbour’s car. Then I saw a tightly bundled package wrapped in a newspaper. I tore a bit of the package and I could see words like Brazil, West Germany, etc, engraved on it, along with a blank shield. As I kept tearing, I saw the lady. I had seen so many photos of the World Cup that I immediately recognised it. My heart started pounding.

Dave Corbett, owner of Pickles

After a series of investigations by the local police and Scotland Yard, Corbett he was free to go. He was welcomed home by a swarm of presspersons, and just like that Corbett and Pickles became overnight sensations.

Pickles’ achievements did not just end there. He has won several awards, including Dog of the Year, and has acted in a few films too.

The following year, in 1967, Pickles got into an accident and succumbed to his injuries.

(This video was first published on Quint Hindi)