World Cup title on home soil - Germany

In 1971, Franz Beckenbauer became captain of the national side, and he led West Germany to great success as they became both the European and world champions. First they won the European Championship for the first time in Euro 72, after beating the Soviet Union 3-0 in the final. Then as hosts of the 1974 World Cup, they won their second World Cup title, after beating the Netherlands 2-1 in the final at Olympiastadion.

Two matches in the 1974 World Cup stood out for West Germany. The first group stage saw a politically charged match as West and East Germany played each other, which the East won 1-0. The other match was the final against the Johan Cruijff-led Dutch team and their brand of Total Football. It began dramatically as Cruijff was brought down in the German penalty area following a solo run, and the Dutch took the lead from the ensuing penalty before any of the German players had even touched the ball and with just a minute gone on the clock. However, West Germany managed to come back, tying the match on a penalty scored by Paul Breitner, and winning it with Gerd Müller's goal just before half-time. A second goal by Müller was mistakenly ruled offside.