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.