Revenge for West
Germany
The game began well for
England. They were leading 2-0 with only twenty minutes
left. Manager, Alf Ramsey, was confident enough to take off
Bobby Charlton ‘to rest him for the semi-final’.
At that point things started going wrong for England.
Beckenbauer scored and then 34
year-old Uwe Seeler headed the ball over Bonetti.
The England goalkeeper later said. ‘I was blinded by the
sun reflecting off Seeler’s bald head’. In extra time
Mueller volleyed the winner for Germany.
One semi-final was a derby between Brazil and Uruguay.
Brazil won 3-1, with one of their goals a tremendous shot
by Rivelino.
Italy v West
Germany
The other semi-final between Italy and West Germany was one
of the most exciting matches in the history of the
competition. Italy led 1-0 but West Germany equalised in
the final seconds of normal time.
In extra time Franz Beckenbauer seriously
injured his shoulder. They strapped his arm to his body
and he stayed on the pitch until the end.
Germany took the lead only after five minutes, but Italy
drew level. The great Luigi Riva then scored an amazing
goal with his left foot, but somehow West Germany equalised
again. Rivera scored again and Italy finally won the game
4-3.