All the talk, all the build-up was over. The World Cup was here!
Roker Park hosted four matches in the 1966 World Cup as Italy, Russia, Chile and North Korea battled it out.
The Sunderland Echo’s photographers captured everything from the fans to the teams arriving, match action and the bunting which appeared all over the town.
Relive-it all in these fantastic memories.
In case you missed it;
5. Back of the net!
The then-Soviet Union and Chile battle it out at Roker Park. The ground hosted the tournament's Group 4 games, and one of the quarter-finals. | se Photo: Sunderland Echo
6. Queueing for tickets
Fans join the queue to secure a ticket to one of the 1966 World Cup matches held at Roker Park. Which one did you see? | se Photo: Sunderland Echo
7. A spruce-up for the ground
Making alterations to the Roker Park suite in May 1966, ready for the international arrivals. Picture: Bill Hawkins. | Bill Hawkins Photo: Bill Hawkins
8. Mascot memories
Mrs Spencer and the World Cup mascot in the window of the Gas Office in Fawcett Street in July 1966. Picture: Bill Hawkins. | Bill Hawkins Photo: Bill Hawkins