Bobby Moore, that East End lad who became an English football legend, was more than just the captain of West Ham and the national team.
He was the rock of defence, and his matches often became a gold mine for those who bet on outcomes.
In the sixties, when betting was just getting going, games featuring him were a money-making machine.
More than once, ordinary fans with pennies in their pockets left with a lot of money, because Moore and his team were tearing apart their opponents.
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The Final Of The Cup Of Cup Winners: West Ham – Munich 1860
Spring 1965, Wembley is packed, 100 thousand fans are screaming like crazy.
West Ham is up against the Germans from Munich 1860, who are on their way to their first European trophy.
Moore, already a star, is in the center of the defense, with Hurst and Peters, his loyal teammates, around him.
The match starts evenly, with the Germans pressing, but in the 70th minute, Alan Sealey scores a goal, 1-0.
The fans are ecstatic, and Moore, as always, reads the game three steps ahead, denying his opponents any chance.
Nine minutes before the whistle, Seely scores a double, and it’s all over.
West Ham wins the European Cup, the first for an English club in this format.
Now, let’s talk about the money.
The odds for the Hammers’ victory were around 3.5-4.0, as the Germans were considered the favorites.
A guy from London bet 20 pounds on a clean victory for the hosts and won 80,000 pounds, enough for a house in the suburbs.
FA Cup Final: West Ham Vs Preston North End
A year earlier, 4 May 1964, Wembley again, but now the national cup. Preston, tough lads from the north, with a powerful attack, and West Ham just getting into the elite.
Moore, the 23-year-old captain, was drilling the defence like a sergeant on parade ground.
First half – 0-0, nerves on edge, fans smoking in the shadows.
At the 30th minute of the second half, Ronnie Boyce breaks through and rolls the ball into the corner, making it 1-0.
Preston presses, but Moore steals the ball from their forward in their own half and launches a counterattack.
With a minute left, Frank Lampard scores a decisive goal, making it 3-2 after Hollins’ goal for the opposition.
West Ham celebrates in tears, Moore raises the cup, and the crowd roars.
The betting scene is in full swing.
The odds were 2.2 for a draw in the first half.
The 1966 World Cup Final: England Vs West Germany
The most epic match is, of course, July 30, 1966. Wembley, the World Cup final, the whole world watching.
England is the host, Moore is the captain, 25 years old, a blond with a bandage.
The Germans are eager for revenge after the semi-final.
The first half is 0-0, Hurst hits the post.
At the 12th minute of the second half, Hall from Germany scores a goal, and the stadium is in shock.
However, Moore keeps the ball in play and prevents panic.
At the 18th minute, Peters scores an equalizer, and in extra time, Hurst scores a second goal from Moore’s cross, leading to a 2-1 victory.
In the final seconds, Hurst scores a legendary goal into the empty net, resulting in a 4-2 victory after a rebound.
Moore is the first to reach the ball and kisses the trophy with tears in his eyes. England is the world champion.
Winnings here are like a lottery.
The odds for England’s victory were 2.1.
England’s Home Defeat: England Vs. USA, 6-3
Let’s not forget the friendly match in February 1964, at Goodison Park, Everton.
USA were the underdogs, but they had Irish legionnaires and semi-professionals.
Moore was just becoming a captain, making his debut in this role.
England takes off from the first minutes: Hitchcock scores on the 8th, 1-0, then Steed scores on the 18th, 2-0.
The Americans fight back, scoring twice, but Moore rearranges the defense, and the avalanche begins: Charlton, Grieves twice, and Hunt score 6-3.
The match is a masterclass, with Moore moving quickly and stealing balls in mid-air.
The odds were flying: the total was over 4.5, with a coefficient of 3.0.
Anniversary triumph: England 5-0 Scotland
The final touch is February 14, 1973, Hampden Park, the snow crunches underfoot.
Moore celebrates his 100th England match, 31 years old, a veteran. Scotland has stars like Bremner and Dalgliesh, but the English are on fire.
Three goals in 15 minutes: Peters, Hunter, and Chivers – 3:0.
The Scots are in a knockout, making mistakes in defense.
In the second half, Klerk and another player score 5:0.
Moore, as the team’s father, is leading the team, keeping them focused.
It’s a record-breaking defeat on Scottish soil.
