Sometimes it is not the final that is the most exciting moment in a World Cup, but an occurrence en route to the final. German skipper Franz Beckenbauer later said: “Under normal circumstances I doubt we’d have had a chance.” Four days later, on 7 July 1974, Germany beat the Netherlands 2:1 in the final in Munich to win the World Cup for the second time. Gerd Müller scored in the 76th minute to take Germany ahead. The wet grass was forever slowing the ball to a snail’s pace. Given the heavy ground underfoot, the Poles were unable to rely on their trademark short sharp passing, their key strength. The match started only half an hour later. The fire brigade was called in, and used pumps and rollers to clear as much water as possible. Shortly before kick-off, the heavens had opened and a downpour had basically rendered the pitch unplayable, but the tight World Cup tournament schedule led to the decision being taken to play after all. The game that marked Germany making the final. Equally unforgettable, the “Sodden battle of Frankfurt” – Germany against Poland on 3 July 1974 in Frankfurt’s “Waldstadion” during the World Cup in Germany.
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