In the postwar era, Germany became east and west. As such, two German soccer teams emerged: the West German and the East German sides. The West Germany soccer team was by far the best, and it emerged as the best soccer side in Europe and the world.
The West German soccer team qualified for its first World Cup in 1954. Hungary was the clear favorite to lift the trophy in this tournament, as they had a great team. Among their star players were Puskas and Kocsis, and they defeated West Germany 8-3 in the group stages. Despite this defeat, they would still make it to their first World Cup final, and once again, they played Hungary. West Germany won this game 3-2 to win their first-ever World Cup.
West Germany could not repeat this glory in the 1960s but went close. In the 1966 FIFA World Cup, West Germany made it to another final and played the hosts, England. It was a great game in which the Germans made an ideal start, as they went in front. England came back and was winning 2 – 1 before a late German equalizer took the game into extra time. Hurst scored a third but disputed England goal that may not have entirely crossed the line. The referee gave the goal, and Hurst scored his third to ensure a 4-2 win for England.
In the 1970 FIFA World Cup, the West Germany soccer team played England again, this time in the quarter-finals. Despite falling two behind, the West Germans would still win the game 3-2. It was a fine comeback, and after defeating England, they played Italy in the semi-finals. This was a classic game that included five goals in extra time. It ended 4-3 to the Italians after Rivera scored Italy’s fourth winning goal.
The 1972 UEFA European Championship was played in Belgium, and West Germany qualified for the finals. West Germany lifted the European Championship trophy for the first time in Belgium. They played the USSR in the final and ran out 3-0 winners.
West Germany hosted the 1974 FIFA World Cup, and their team had some great players. Among them was Muller, one of the most prolific German strikers to have played for the German national team. East Germany also played in this FIFA World Cup and played West Germany in the group stages. The East German team won this game 1-0, but West Germany would still make the final. In this game, they came up against Holland, who was in their first World Cup final, and the Dutch went ahead in the first half. They did not extend their lead, and Muller’s second goal won West Germany the game 2-1.
The West Germany soccer team would not defend the FIFA World Cup in 1978 but reached the World Cup final in 1982. Although they lost the final to the Italians, it was the first of three FIFA World Cup finals they would play from 1982 to 1990. The second was in 1986, although a Maradona-inspired Argentina won the final 3 – 2. At Italia 90, West Germany won their third World Cup after a 1-0 victory in the final against Argentina.
In the next FIFA World Cup, there was no West Germany soccer team. Before the 1994 World Cup, Germany was reunited after the fall of the Iron Curtain. Consequently, the West German soccer team became the German side, with players from the eastern area of Germany included. Germany emulated its predecessor by winning the 2014 World Cup as a united country for the first time.
If you love sports, download Stadium Rant from the Apple App Store and join one of the fastest-growing social sports communities. Be sure to follow us on socials too — you can find all our profiles on our Linktree.
