Comme's History of the World Cup- West Germany 1974

West Germany 1974

The World Cup of 1974 was the tournament in which the concept of “total football” found its zenith. A final between its two great protagonists, hosts W Germany and its originators Holland, was viewed by some as proof that footballing style had won out over the dour defensive nature of “catenaccio”.

“Total football” was based on the premise that every player could play in every position, and that each could happily interchange with the next, allowing a level of fluidity not permitted by the regimented style of traditional formations. Of course as with all such concepts, (be they political, philosophical or sporting) the real life application of the doctrine was far more pragmatic than idealistic, but it was a noble sentiment nonetheless.

At the outset the hosts were widely viewed as great favourites. Their displays at the European Championships two years earlier had been exceptional, based around the genius of Gunther Netzer. Netzer was in the squad this time around but since his move to Real Madrid he had not been in peak form and had consequently lost his place in the starting eleven. Still in place though was Franz Beckenbauer, the majestic ‘libero’of the team whose self assured presense started as many attacks as it snuffed out. Back too was Gerd Muller, top scorer 4 years earlier, and while some felt he was past his absolute best he still provided a potent goal threat. These two Bayern stars were joined by a number of other respresentatives of the newly crowned European Champions including Uli Hoeness, Sepp Maier, Hanz-Georg Schwarzenbeck and Paul Breitner.

Their great rivals the Dutch also had much to be confident about. Their hopes were founded on the footballing talents of Johan Cruyff and the tactical acumen of Rinus Michels. Michels was the high priest of “total football” but recognised the reliance it had on the ability of its players. He would later comment that it was impossible to play total football without 7 world class players. Cruyff had been the mastermind behind Ajax’s three European Cup triumphs between 1971-3 and had won the Spanish league title in his first season at Barcelona. Along with Beckenbauer, Cruyff was the game’s leading figure, a man with such flair and intuitive knowledge of football that he often appeared to be playing on a higher level. He was accompanied in the Dutch line up by a number of his former Ajax teammates, including Johan Neeskens, the total midfielder within the framework of “total football”, as well as Ruud Krol and Wim Suurbier.

England had missed out on qualification in a campaign which had exposed the passing of Bobby Moore. Their conquerors Poland were not regarded as being a great threat to any of the serious contenders, the loss of Wlodzimerz Lubanski, their star player, did their chances no good and keeper Tomaszewski was infamously branded “a clown” by Brian Clough.

Italy had retained the core of their side which had finished as runners up in Mexico, but there were some inklings that it might be a tournament too far for the likes of Rivera, Mazzola and Riva.

Chile were back after their absence in Mexico having qualified in farcical circumstances. First Venezuela withdrew from their qualifying group leaving just them and Peru, and then their play-off against the USSR took an unusual turn. Having played out a 0-0 draw at home the USSR suddenly suffered a fit of conscience and refuded to play at Chile’s stadium in Santiago on the grounds that it had been used as a concentration camp for General Pinochet’s political prisioners. While it was a noble cause neutrals might have been more convinced had they made the stand before the first game was played.

Having settled upon the successful combination of an initial group stage followed by a knockout tournament FIFA inexplicably decided to alter the format of the tournament. This time they replaced most of the knockout rounds with a second group stage, though mercifully they retained a show-piece final (unlike 1950).

Group 1

Group 1 boasted some truly intriguing match-ups as it contained both East and West Germany, as well as new comers Australia and the unpredictable Chile.

The hosts opened at the Olympiastadion in Berlin against Chile. There they made solid progress to their World Cup campaign thanks to an excellent goal from Paul Breitner’s right boot early in the first half. Sadly for the South Americans Carlos Caszely was sent off in the second half for a second bookable offense, any chances they had of getting back into the game were severely hurt by going down to ten men. It was the desired result for the home side but they did not look comfortable at any point, and the Chileans coped admirably with their attacks primarily thanks to “Don” Elias Figueroa who was ably supported by Quintano. The Chileans’ uncompromising defending was to be a feature of this tournament.

Australia made a good start to their first ever World Cup finals against East Germany in Hamburg. Although they were defeated 2-0 they managed to hold on in the first half and only went behind after Curran put through his own net after 58 minutes attempting to prevent Sparwasser opening the scoring. From there the East German captain, Streich, added a fine second on 72 minutes when he connected with Vogel’s centre.

Australia’s second World Cup match pitted them against the other German side, but sadly for them they fared no better. Indeed this time it took slightly less time for them to find themselves on the backfoot and Wolfgang Overath put the W Germans in front with a screamer after 13 minutes. The home side were keen to press home their supremacy and were rewarded midway through the half when Cullmann provided a second with a header. Gerd Müller, top scorer 4 years earlier, added a third shortly after the half time break, but that was where the scoring finished. The Australians, though they failed to breach the W German, could certainly take pride from their performance against the European Champions. Their forwards had dispelled the idea that they could not hack it at this level and Schwarzenbeck and Beckenbauer certainly were glad to see the final whistle blown. One unsavoury incident during the game saw Beckenbauer exchange insults with members of the crowd, and he was even alleged to have spat at the crowd. That the normally ice cold “Kaizer” was to be so rattled by criticism showed that all was not well in the W German camp.

Having lost their opening game against W Germany, the Chilean side knew that they would have to get something from their second group game against East Germany if they were to have a chance of progression. The first half produced no goals despite both teams’ best endeavours, but in the second half both sides sprang into life. The East Germans were the first to strike as Hoffmann headed them into a lead ten minutes after the break, rising to meet a Peter Ducke freekick. The Chileans though were determined not to go away empty handed and on 69 minutes they got their reward as Ahumada levelled the scores, provided by Reinoso. From there either side might have snatched a winner, but the draw kept both sides chances alive.

The game between Australia and Chile saw one side needing a win to leave any chance of progression while the other was praying for a win to save their campaign from complete disaster. As it was both teams finished disappointed as the game fizzled out into a 0-0 draw. Indeed the most notable talking point was the dismissal of Ray Richards with time running out for a second bookable offense. It was notable not simply as a rare sending off in World Cup history of that era, but for the fact that when he received his second yellow he didn’t actually leave the field. Iranian referee Jafar Namdar perhaps let the occasion overawe him and failed to notice that Richards had been booked already. Richards himself certainly didn’t let on, and so it took a further 5 minutes until 4th official Clive Thomas (known as “The Book”) was able to alert the referee to his blunder and Richards was eventually ejected. It was a sad way for Australia’s first World Cup to end, but given the opponents they faced it had not been entirely surprising that they had failed to register a victory in West Germany.

That draw meant that when the two German sides faced each other in Hamburg later that day all that was at stake was pride. That though was no small matter in a country divided by war. In particular Helmut Schoen, the West German manager, hailed from Dresden and had defected to the West in May 1950. For him the game was of major significance.

In the first half either side could have broken the deadlock as Gerd Muller hit the post for the West and Kreische missed a relatively simple chance for the East. Finally the game was settled with 12 minutes remaining when Erich Hamann released Sparwasser. The Magdeberg forward evaded the challenge of Berti Vogts and managed to beat Sepp Maier in the West German net. Remarkably East had beaten West on their own turf, and the East Germans ended up topping the group.

The result produced shock in the West German camp. Helmut Schoen was said by some to be on the verge of a nervous breakdown, while others believed he was set to quit. Now the man who acted as leader on the pitch came further to the fore. Franz Beckenbauer had always played a significant role in the squad, but with Schoen clearly in a state of disarray the Bayern star became even more influential and was believed by some to be the new power behind the side’s direction, even to the extent of making team selections.

As it was the loss to East Germany proably turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Beckenbauer and co, as it meant that they would miss arguably the three most dangerous teams in the tournament in Holland, Brazil and Argentina in the next round.

22-JUN-74 HAMBURG German DR:Germany FR
1:0 (0:0) Volksparkstadion
22-JUN-74 BERLIN WEST Australia:Chile
0:0 Olympiastadion
18-JUN-74 BERLIN WEST Chile:German DR
1:1 (0:0) Olympiastadion
18-JUN-74 HAMBURG Australia:Germany FR
0:3 (0:2) Volksparkstadion
14-JUN-74 HAMBURG German DR:Australia
2:0 (0:0) Volksparkstadion
14-JUN-74 BERLIN WEST Germany FR:Chile
1:0 (1:0) Olympiastadion


Group 2

Defending champions Brazil’s first match was a tough one against a Yugoslavia side led by the exceptional Dragan Dzajic. Despite a wealth of attacking talent on the pitch neither side could do enough to force even a single goal. The men who came closest for the Yugoslavs were Acimovic and Katalinski, but neither was able to break the deadlock. The spectators in Frankfurt had come in the sure expectation of goals, but they ended up disappointed.

Scotland meanwhile knew that they had to start well against minnows Zaire if they were to stand any realistic chance of qualification. To that end Scotland were buoyed by an excellent early goal from Peter Lorimer. That was followed in quick succession by a header from Joe Jordan to ease Scotland into a comfortable position. Scotland from that point on looked easy, but their lack of further goals could come back to haunt them.

Scotland’s next result was a very creditable draw with World Champions Brazil. The Brazilians played some magical stuff at times in the game, and indeed some felt it was the only time that they really sparked into life in the whole tournament. The Scots simply had to hold on for dear life in the face of such talented opposition but they did so, thanks in no small part to the iron will of Billy Bremner their skipper.

The game between Yugoslavia and Zaire proved to be one of those amazing mismatches that the World Cup occasionally throws up. Perhaps it should be said in mitigation that there was some unrest in the Zaire camp in the build up to the game. This should not be entirely surprising when we consider that Zaire was at the time under the military rule of President Mobutu, a less avuncular version of Idi Amin and a man who enriched himself to a stupendous degree at the expense of his citizens. Mobutu saw the World Cup as the perfect stage on which to launch the image of Zaire (that year also witnessed the Rumble in the Jungle held in the country in the vain hope of building the nation’s prestige and reputation). Mobutu was said to have promised the players significant rewards if they put in a respectable display at the finals, yet before they were due to play Yugoslavia rumours circulated that these rewards were to be held back.

Quite whether any of this can fully jusify Zaire’s pitiful capitulation is debateable, but some excuse must be made. As it was the Yugoslavs were rampant and led by 3 goals within the opening 20 minutes thanks to Bajević, Džajić and Šurjak. By half-time it was 6-0 as Katalinski got one, Bajević a second and Bogićević added his name to the score sheet. The final score of 9-0 rather put Scotland’s efforts in perspective.

While their draw with Brazil was undoubtedly a creditable result, Yugoslavia’s demolition of Zaire coupled with the inevitability of Brazil’s victory, meant that Scotland really had to beat the Yugoslavs to stand a realistic chance of victory. Given that Scotland had only put two past Zaire, and that their great strength against Brazil had been resilience, it was always going to be an uphill struggle for the Scots. It proved to be an even more taxing challenge when the Eastern Europeans took the lead with little time remaining. Dragan Dzajic was their inspiration with a perfect cross for Karasi to head home. Joe Jordan scored a late equaliser for the Scots but it left them relying on the result of Brazil-Zaire.

Against all the odds Zaire almost achieved the impossible to do Scotland a favour. Brazil took the lead after just 13 minutes as Jairzinho fied home on the volley. They had to wait until after the break for their second goal as Jairzinho cut the ball backfor Rivelino to double the advantage. Then with ten minutes remaining Valdomiro, who had replaced Leivinha early in the first half, added a third for the defending champions thanks to a clumsy error by Kazadi. It was ultimately the goal which saw Brazil scrape through ahead of the unfortunate Scots. While it was arguably Zaire’s best performance of the championship, one moment underlined the enduring naivety of African football. While defending a Brazilian freekick defender Mwepu Ilunga charged from the Zaire wall and thundered the ball downfield, seeimgly oblivious to the rules of the game. His innocent expression did him no favours with referee Nicolae Rainea who promptly booked him.

Scotland were improbably eliminated without losing a single game, the first team to ever boast that unfortunate attribute.

22-JUN-74 FRANKFURT/MAIN Zaire:Brazil
0:3 (0:1) Waldstadium
22-JUN-74 FRANKFURT/MAIN Scotland:Yugoslavia
1:1 (0:0) Waldstadium
18-JUN-74 FRANKFURT/MAIN Scotland:Brazil
0:0 Waldstadium
18-JUN-74 GELSENKIRCHEN Yugoslavia:Zaire
9:0 (6:0) Parkstadion
14-JUN-74 DORTMUND Zaire:Scotland
0:2 (0:2) FIFA World Cup Stadium, Dortmund
13-JUN-74 FRANKFURT/MAIN Brazil:Yugoslavia
0:0 Waldstadium

Group 3

The Dutch opened their World Cup campaign against a Uruguyan side that was based on their traditional footballing values: brutality at the back and flashes of brilliance from the forwards. The Uruguyans were the team with the World Cup pedigree, the Dutch with the modern stars. It proved to be a slightly more comfortable encounter than the Dutch might have expected as they coasted past the S Americans thanks to two goals from Johnny Rep. The first came early on as Johan Cruyff fed Wim Suurbier who crossed from the right for Rep to head home at the near post. Rep’s second came late on after Wim van Hanegem had released Rensenbrink down the left flank and his centre left Rep with the simplest of finishes.

Sadly the group’s other game proved a far less interesting affair as Sweden and Bulgaria played out a bore draw. Neither side seemed particularly keen to go for the win, though Bulgaria came closest when Georgi Denev hit the bar in the first half. A point seemed to be what both sides had hoped for and they ended up more satisfied than the spectators.

When the Dutch met Sweden they were confronted by a side who again sought to frustrate their attacking brilliance. Rinus Michels introduced Piet Keizer for the game, the Ajax skipper’s only World Cup start. Sadly even this genius was unable to spark the Dutch into life, and neither side was able to break the deadlock. The most notable moment of the game came unsurprisingly from Cruyff. In the first half Cruyff received the ball wide on the left with his back to goal, and with an amazing feint left Swedish right back Gunnar Olsson for dead. It was the first time the wider world had seen the “Cruyff turn”, and even today where it is commonplace its brilliance and beauty still astonishes.

Few could have had any great hopes for the game between Bulgaria and Uruguay. If they did they were to be disappointed as the teams reverted to cagey and negative play. At least this time there were goals! Bulgaria were the first to score with a quarter of an hour remaining when Bonev, the captain, turned in Voin Voinov’s centre on the volley. This at least sparked Uruguay into life and their efforts were rewarded with time running out when Ricardo Pavoni equalised with a long distance effort that eluded Goranov in the Bulgarian net.

It was difficult to imagine afterwards that Bulgaria had entered their final game with Holland with the hope of progression to the next round. The Dutch were in front after just five minutes when Cruyff was hacked down in the box by Vassilev. Johan Neeskens penalty had to be retaken after Rep had encroached but he made no mistake either time. Neeskens added a second from the penalty spot on the stroke of half time. This time it was Wim Jansen felled in the box under the challenge of Velichkov.

The Dutch went further ahead after the break when Vassilev was unable to deal with a Cruyff freekick, and Rep thrashed a volley in. Yet just as the Dutch appeared to be coasting they were hit by a surprise. The Bulgarians attacked down the left flank with Denev who centred and Krol put through his own net under pressure from Bonev and Voinov. It was to be a minor blip for the Dutch and they continued in style. The final goal came with little time remaining when Theo de Jong, not long on as a substitute for Johan Neeskens met Cruyff’s cross with a diving header.

Sweden’s final group game against Uruguay finally saw the Scandinavians show some ambition, though in the first half they remained cautious. The Swedes took the lead shortly after half time when Ralf Edstrom, their giant centre forward scored with a left foot volley. Roland Sandberg netted for the Swedes after 74 minutes and Edstrom grabbed a second minutes later. The Uruguyans, semi-finalists 4 years earlier were out after a miserable tournament.

23-JUN-74 DUSSELDORF Sweden:Uruguay
3:0 (0:0) Rheinstadion
23-JUN-74 DORTMUND Bulgaria:Netherlands
1:4 (0:2) FIFA World Cup Stadium, Dortmund
19-JUN-74 DORTMUND Netherlands:Sweden
0:0 FIFA World Cup Stadium, Dortmund
19-JUN-74 HANOVER Bulgaria:Uruguay
1:1 (0:0) Niedersachsenstadion
15-JUN-74 DUSSELDORF Sweden:Bulgaria
0:0 Rheinstadion
15-JUN-74 HANOVER Uruguay:Netherlands
0:2 (0:1) Niedersachsenstadion


Group 4

Finalists 4 years earlier, Italy were many people’s favourites to top Group 4. That belief had a strong basis as keeper Dino Zoff was on a world record run of minutes without conceding a goal in international football. However, their tentative start against newcomers Haiti made some reevaluate their initial thoughts. After the first half passed without great incident, the Haitians remarkably took the lead after Phillipe Vorbe released Emmanuel Sanon to round Zoff and score. Yet Italy hit back 5 minutes later when golden boy Gianni Rivera thrashed the ball past a helpless Francillon. The goalkeeper found himself beaten again shortly after when when a shot from Romeo Benetti was diverted by Arsene Auguste. Pietro Anastasi, only just on as a substitute was left to finish the scoring off and complete a victory which had made more than a few Italian hearts flutter.

Argentina, who had surprisingly missed the 1970 World Cup opened against a Poland side who proved to be the surprise package of the championships. They certainly surprised Argentina as they raced to a 2 goal lead within the first 10 minutes. The first came from a goalkeeping error, as Daniel Carnevali was unable to hold a corner from Roberto Gadocha and Lato pounced on the loose ball. The second came just a minute later as Lato freed Szarmach who raced clear to score.

At two-nil down the Argentines had to regroup, and reassess their position. After halftime they managed to momentarily force their way back into the game when Heredia cut in from wide to score. Yet just when they seemed to have found some rhythm the Argentines were undone by another mistake from Carnevali who allowed Lato to bag a second. Babington was able to grab a second for Argentina shortly after, but there were no further goals and the Argentines were left cursing their goalkeeper for a disappointing defeat.

Argentina could be more satisfied with their second outing which saw them take on Italy. The opening goal scored by Houseman was fit to win any game, but it did not get its full reward. Sadly for the Argentines they were to throw away that lead when Roberto Perfumo, their captain, put through his own net. Neither side was able to force a winner, but Argentina would be the happier with their performance which had shown a move away from the stifling negativity which had plagued some of their previous World Cup performances.

If the game between Poland and Haiti had been a boxing match, it would never have gone the distance. The Poles were by far the better side from start to finish and the scoreline of 7-0 did not flatter them, indeed had it not been for Francillon it might have been even more. The Haitian keeper battled valiantly against wave after wave of Polish attacks, but in reality he was never likely to stop enough. Lato scored twice to take his personal tally to 4 for the tournament and a hat-trick from Szarmach matched him.

Argentina went into the last game knowing that they had to win convincingly and hope for the result of the other game to suit them. All appeared to be going to plan for the Argentines as they took a three goal lead courtesy of Yazalde, Houseman and Ayala. Yet the Hatians showed more spirit than in their encounter with the Poles and scored a fine goal of their own through Sanon. That goal was enough to give real concern for the Argentines, but their worries were shortlived as Yazalde quickly restored their three goal advantage.

Going into their final group game Poland had already ensured their progression, while Italy knew that a draw would be enough to see them through. The Italians might have taken the lead early on when Anastasi was felled but no penalty was forthcoming. As it was Poland moved into a two goal lead in the first half through a Szarmach header and strike by Deyna. At one point it seemed that Haiti had improbably come to Italy’s rescue, but that came and went. Fabio Capello managed to pull one back for Italy, but it was not enough to save them and they made an early exit. It proved to be an ignominious end for one of Italy’s finest generations.

23-JUN-74 STUTTGART Poland:Italy
2:1 (2:0) Neckarstadion
23-JUN-74 MUNICH Argentina:Haiti
4:1 (2:0) Olympiastadion
19-JUN-74 MUNICH Haitioland
0:7 (0:5) Olympiastadion
19-JUN-74 STUTTGART Argentina:Italy
1:1 (1:1) Neckarstadion
15-JUN-74 STUTTGART Poland:Argentina
3:2 (2:0) Neckarstadion
15-JUN-74 MUNICH Italy:Haiti
3:1 (0:0) Olympiastadion


2nd Round

Group A

Brazil’s defence of their title marched on against East Germany but they were not entirely convincing. Although the East Germans looked a shadow of the side that had played so well in the first group stage, they still defended well and made a contest of the game. Brazil’s victory came courtesy of a powerful Rivelino freekick on the hour mark. Jairzinho took his place in the East German wall, ducking at the right moment to allow the ball to sail over his head and into the net.

Holland were at their imperious best in their first game of the second round as they took apart Argentina. The first goal came after 11 minutes as ball through by Neeskens was majestically controlled by Cruyff who rounded the keeper to score. The second came a few minutes after as Carnevali needlessly conceded a corner which was taken by Johan Neeskens. Carnevali flapped at the ball which fell to Krol to unleash a rocket and score. The Dutch had to wait until the 73rd minute for their 3rd goal, which came when a left footed cross from Cruyff was superbly met with a diving header by Johnny Rep. Carnevali’s awful day was completed on the stroke of full time as he failed to hold an initial shot and Cruyff followed it up with a fantastic volley. The Dutch were moving through the gears and starteing to look extremely impressive.

Argentina had chance to make amends for that defeat against their great S American rivals Brazil 4 days later. As it was they went behind after half an hour to a goal from Rivelino from the edge of the area which capped of an excellent passage of interplay. The Argentines though hit back three minutes later though Brindisi with a fantastic freekick after a foul on number Oscar Glaria. While it was a fine strike Leao should really have done much better. The Brazilians restored their lead in the second half as despite a plain foul on Jairzinho being ignored by Loreaux, the Belgian referee, the Brazilians almost immediately won the ball through Ze Maria who crossed for Jairzinho to head in. With two defeats in two games the Argentines hopes of reaching the World Cup final were dashed, the Brazilian dream of a fourth World Cup lived on.


The Dutch seemed to have lost some of their sparkle against East Germany, but perhaps it was simply the resolute defence put up by their opponents. As it was they still took an early lead as a deflected shot fell to Neeskens whose rasping drive was simply too good for Croy in the East German net, who had Pommerenke to thank for heading off the line in the first place. Martin Hoffman came close to pulling a goal back for the East Germans as he fired a good shot after a fine dribble and Jongbloed saved at second attempt. The Dutch effectively finished the game after 59 minutes when Cruyff set up Rob Rensenbrink who netted comfortably.

That result left both Argentina and East Germany playing for respect in their final game, though both could take credit for the participation so far. Perhaps unsurprisingly the Argentines finally replaced the hapless Carnevali with Ubaldo Filliol, who would go on to be such a fine player in future years. The East Germans still took the lead after Streich met Weise’s centre to head home. The Argentines were back on level terms shortly after as Houseman scored a fine goal after excellent work by Kempes. That was where the scoring finished but both teams could take some satisfaction from the draw, despite its overall irrelevance.

So Holland and Brazil met to decide which side would reach the final, and which would have to play for 3rd place. Jairzinho’s confidence almost caught his side out in the first half when his mazy dribble in his own half was broken up and Rob Rensenbrink released Suurbier who drew a good save from Leao at his near post. The Dutch did take a lead early in the second half as a freekick was taken quickly by Van Hanegem who played the ball forward to Neeskens for a 1-2 with Cruyff. Neeskens met the ball masterfully as he slid in to score. The second came 15 minutes later when Krol overlapped on a fast break and delivered a great cross for Cruyff to side footed past Leao on the volley. It was team goal of the highest calibre, capped off with an exceptional finish. Brazil’s frustration sadly got the better of them late on as anawful tackle by Perreira on Neeskens resulted in the S American being deservedly sent off. While Brazil had been the perennial favourite of the neutral in the past, now it was Holland who provided the levels of entertainment and skill so often associated with the selecao.

03-JUL-74 DORTMUND Netherlands:Brazil
2:0 (0:0) FIFA World Cup Stadium, Dortmund
03-JUL-74 GELSENKIRCHEN Argentina:German DR
1:1 (1:1) Parkstadion
30-JUN-74 GELSENKIRCHEN German DR:Netherlands
0:2 (0:1) Parkstadion
30-JUN-74 HANOVER Argentina:Brazil
1:2 (1:1) Niedersachsenstadion
26-JUN-74 HANOVER Brazil:German DR
1:0 (0:0) Niedersachsenstadion
26-JUN-74 GELSENKIRCHEN Netherlands:Argentina
4:0 (2:0) Parkstadion


Group B

Hosts West Germany looked far better in their encounter with a Yugoslavia which appeared far more cautious than in the first group stage. Perhaps they recognised the attacking threat posed by W Germany, but it did not play to the strengths of some of their marvellous attackers. The Germans took the lead 7 minutes from half-time as an excellent team move was capped off by a thunderous strike from the right boot of Paul Breitner. It was a supreme long range effort which gave goalkeeper Maric no chance. With 8 minutes remaining the German victory was made safe when a quick free kick from Overath released Rainer Bonhof who cut back for the master goal scorer Gerd Muller.

In the group’s other opening encounter Sweden who had scraped through their group faced Poland who had sailed through their’s. It proved to be slightly more even in reality as the Swedes played a compact style of football that allowed their opponents few chances. When the Poles’ goal did come it was just before half time. A corner swung in by Gadocha was headed back by Szarmach and Lato was there to finish it all off. Sweden did come close to levelling the scores when a foul on Conny Torstensson in the box led to a penalty. Tapper though could not convert the penalty as Tomaszewski produced a smart save.

Poland were again fortunate to win in their match with Yugoslavia. This time it they who were the beneficiaries of a penalty as Karasi was penalised for some jostling with Szarmach in the box. Deyna stepped up and made no mistake. Karasi made amends for his madness shortly before half time as he drew the Yugoslavs level. In the second half it was again a corner from Gadocha that resulted in a goal for Lato, though this time it was a clever near post header that benefited the winger.

The game between West Germany and Sweden lit up the tournament and harked bag to some of the see-saw games of the 1970 tournament. The W Germans were the first to show as Gerd Muller was well denied with a snap-shot from a corner. Despite that good beginning it was the Swedes who took the lead after 24 minutes with a superb volley from Edstrom. The Germans hit back though after half-time when Uli Hoeness ran almost the length of the pitch and fed Muller who laid it off to Overath to score with his right foot. A minute later the Germans were ahead. Again Muller was the provider as he chested down a cross to tee up Bonhof, the despairing Hellstrom turned it onto the post but couldn’t stop it going in. Yet the Swedes had not given up hope and they had a quickfire answer of their own as Sandberg rifled the ball low past Maier to level the scores. At that point both sides regained some of their composure in defence and the flurry of goals abated for a time. However, the home side were keen for victory and after more good work from Muller he set up Grabowski to net a third. With little time left Muller was fouled by Ejderstedt, and Hoeness converted the penalty, sending the keeper the wrong way. Muller had had a hand in every single goal, yet he remarkably had failed to get his own name on the scoresheet.

So it worked out that the game between Sweden and Yugoslavia was just a consolation match. The Yugoslavs struck first with a fine goal from Surjak who met Dragan Dzajic’s pinpoint cross. The Swedes though were not content to sit back and they managed two goals, one in either half, through Edstrom and Tostensson.

The group’s other final game, between Poland and West Germany, was played, like so many others at this tournament, in pouring rain and on a waterlogged pitch. In the early stages it was Poland who looked the more dangerous of the two sides. Gregorz Lato drew an inspired save from Maier from a free-kick. Then a terrible mistake from Beckenbauer allowed Lato through on goal only for him to be foiled again by Maier. Early in the second half the home side were awarded a penalty for a foul on Holzenbein, though some doubted whether Zmuda had really made any contact. As it was Tomaszewski saved the Austrian referee any controversy as he saved Uli Hoeness’s spotkick. With a quarter of an hour to go Rainer Bonhof was tackled by Szymanowski when in on goal and the ball fell to Muller whose calm right footed strike broke the deadlock and shattered Polish dreams.

03-JUL-74 DUSSELDORF Sweden:Yugoslavia
2:1 (1:1) Rheinstadion
03-JUL-74 FRANKFURT/MAIN Poland:Germany FR
0:1 (0:0) Waldstadium
30-JUN-74 DUSSELDORF Germany FR:Sweden
4:2 (0:1) Rheinstadion
30-JUN-74 FRANKFURT/MAIN Poland:Yugoslavia
2:1 (1:1) Waldstadium
26-JUN-74 STUTTGART Swedenoland
0:1 (0:1) Neckarstadion
26-JUN-74 DUSSELDORF Yugoslavia:Germany FR
0:2 (0:1) Rheinstadion



3rd Place Play-off

By Brazil’s lofty standards even third place would have marked a disappointing tournament, but as it turned out they could not even boast that. Valdomiro came closest for the selecao when he burst clean through, only to have his shot well saved by Tomaszewski. Gregorz Lato couldn’t believe his luck late in the game when Francisco Marinho gifted him the ball and he burst through a non-existent Brazilian defence to score comfortably. He was given the opportunity to take his personal tally to 8 soon after with a similar chance, but this time Leao saved well with his feet. It was a fine achievement for a Poland side that few had thought would even qualify for the finals. Brazil on the other hand had to travel home reconsidering their approach to the tournament which had seen them fail to come close to the heights of 1970.

06-JUL-74 MUNICH Braziloland
0:1 (0:0) Olympiastadion



The Final

The final drew together the two sides that most neutrals had hoped at the start of the tournament would grace this illustrious occasion. The Dutch had certainly been the more impressive in reaching the final, the Germans had not delivered with the panache of the 1972 European Championships. That though was all forgotten in the build up to the game, neither side could afford to rest on past glories in such a momentous match.

For the Dutch this match represented more than simply a chance to become world champions. It was a chance to settle scores dating back to the Second World War. Of the many countries that had suffered in that terrible conflict, few bore such a deep lying mistrust of the Germans as the Dutch. This final was not just about football, it was payback.

The Oranje kicked off and patiently kept possession, seeking to find a gap in the German defence. Eventually the team’s orchestrator Cruyff picked up the ball in centre circle and burst past Berti Vogts in to the box only to be brought down by Hoeness. The Dutch had a strung 17 passes together, the Germans had not even touched the ball. With less than a minute gone the Dutch had a penalty. Beckenbauer attempted to protest to the English referee Jack Taylor, but the foul was as plain as day. Johan Neeskens’ nerve held firm and he blasted the ball past Maier.

The W Germans were clearly rattled by the start of their opponents and struggled to find their footing in the early parts of the game. Paul Breitner attempted to give some drive to their side but his wild shot went out for a throw in! Berti Vogts, the man who had been detailed to mark Johan Cruyff was booked for two plain fouls on the Dutch master in quick succession. The Dutch appeared to be in full control at this stage and a quickly taken freekick allowed Johnny Rep a snapshot which went into the side netting.

By now though the W Germans had woken up from their slow start and started to contest the game more. Breitner had a venomous shot which fizzed over the bar. Gerd Muller thought he had won his side a penalty moments later but a freekick actually was given the other way for backing in. Muller’s protestations earned him a slight push from Van Hanegem and Muller went down as if he had been shot. Taylor was no fool, and ignored his theatrics. The Dutch mounted a dangerous attack with Neeskens whose cross fromwide on the left was cut out in the W German box by Beckenbauer. Der Kaiser’s ability to turn defence into attack was rarely more evident than in this sweeping move as found Overath who in turn released Holzenbein to be brought down by Wim Jansen. After 25 minutes the hosts had a penalty of their own. Holzenbein may have had a reputation for simulation in the Bundesliga, but this time his claim was justified. Just as Neeskens had kept his nerve for Holand so Breitner made no mistake as he side footed the ball to the left.

The goal undoubtedly buoyed the Germans, while the Dutch, for all their possession and superiority, now realised that the game was far from won. Improbably Berti Vogts found himself clean in on goal, wide on the left, but his half volley was well saved by Jongbloed. Minutes later the W Germans were awarded a freekick just outside the box and Beckenbuer impudently tried to dink the ball over Jongbloed who was equal to the task. The Dutch then had an opportunity to restore their lead as Cruyff tussled with Beckenbauer and freed Rep whose tame shot was saved by Maier. The Dutch would rue that missed chance as Rainer Bonhof showed skill before crossing for Muller to pivot and score. It was classic Muller, a goal which almost summed the man up. As the players trooped off for half time Cruyff was booked for his protestations over the rough treatment he received at the hands of Vogts.

Early in the second half the W Germans almost extended their advantage as from a corner Bonhof’s header sailed just wide of the upright. The W Germans though were certainly happier attacking corners than defending them as Maier showed when he flapped at a cross and Breitner had to head the ball off the line. Cruyff showed he still had a few tricks with a great dummy to get away from Vogts only to be fouled by Wolfgang Overath. With the resulting freekick Cruyff found Van Hanegem free in the six yard box but his header lacked any power. Muller seemed to have added a third for W Germany soon after when he finished from Grabowski’s centre, but the goal was controversially disallowed for offside. Neeskens almost levelled the scores late on with an amazing volley from an tight angle butit produced a great save from Maier. By now the Dutch could sense the match slipping away from them and they pressed strongly for an equaliser. They came close when Rep burst into the box but his shot from the right went narrowly wide. Neeskens also saw an excellent drive from 30 yards whistle just past the post.

Despite their best efforts the Dutch simply could not find a second goal, and their magical attacking play lacked its just reward. The W Germans triumphed on home soil just as Uruguay, Italy and England had before them. It was harsh on the Dutch who had merited victory as much as any previous winner, but the W Germans had saved arguably their best performance for the most crucial match and few could deny that they were worthy winners. Berti Vogts in particular had done an exceptional job in negating the threat posed by Cruyff, so often the danger man throughout the tournament.

07-JUL-74 MUNICH Netherlands:Germany FR
1:2 (1:2) Olympiastadion




FIFA’s Official Page

Full line-ups, scorers and much more

 

I'll watch it again.

One of my sources suggested that Beckenbauer was trying to intimidate Taylor by suggesting he was biased because he was English, but of course he would never do that

This obviously will be my last one before the WC starts. I had originally hoped to have done all of them before the WC, but they have taken longer than I had initially expected. Hopefully I will find the impetus to continue when I get back from Germany.

 

I always copy the results section from the FIFA website, that's why it's also in stupid reverse order. I did cringe when I saw the "FIFA World Cup Stadium".

The market is flooded with WC books at the moment, but I haven't seen anything in this depth in English on the net.

The fact that people appreciate it makes it all worthwhile

Once I have finished them all at this level I want to go through them and improve them significantly.