1966 – ENGLAND v WEST GERMANY at Wembley
MS.DVD.537 109 mins (dead balls edited out) b/white
103 years after inventing the game, England claimed the greatest prize of all.The capacity crowd at Wembley, and the millions watching the game on TV, thrilled to an uncompromising battle with the efficient German footballing machine. General Ramsey fielded a team of 'wingless wonders' with revolutionary tactics and a colossal workrate. They were ALL stars - the tireless Ball, the darting Hunt, the classy Charlton, and a hat-trick from the surprise selection of Hurst.
1970 – BRAZIL v ITALY in Mexico MS.DVD.593 98 mins colour
In the humid Azteca, the gung-ho attack-minded Brazilians faced the world’s tightest defence. Surprisingly, the Italians forwards regularly embarrassed the Brazilian backline. In the final analysis, the class and magic of the South Americans was simply too much to contain. To the delight of the partisan Mexican supporters, they succeeded in a resounding victory with late goals from Jairzinho and Alberto.
1974 – WEST GERMANY v HOLLAND in West Germany
MS.DVD.596 92 mins colour
Cruyff’s elegant, ball-playing team came up against a muscular German side, determined to crush his team’s attacking flair. Vogts and his powerful defence denied space to the increasingly frustrated maestro. Under a barrage of Dutch attacks, the disciplined Germans rode their luck and the great Gerd Muller, snatched an unlikely (and perhaps undeserved) victory. Even after an early Neeskens penalty, the all-round efficiency and work-rate of the German machine allowed a proud Beckenbauer to claim the ultimate sporting prize.
1978 – ARGENTINA v HOLLAND in Argentina MS.DVD.595 113 mins colour
The 1978 final was a fascinating tactical battle between two excellent teams. Rep making space - Ardiles carrying forward - absorbing attack and close-ball control - quality football. In the 2nd half, Ardiles tired badly and Holland took control. Manninga’s equaliser should have seen Holland go on to win. Against the run of play, one truly great player stood out - Mario Kempes. He turned the game on its head with a few sublime touches and, completely against the run of play, inspired the home nation to a thrilling victory.
1982 – ITALY v WEST GERMANY in Spain MS.DVD.604 93 mins colour
Recalled after a two-year ban for match-fixing, the superb Paulo Rossi played at the highest level like he’d never been away. After a first-half penalty miss by Cabrini, the skilful Italian defence countered the German muscle at every turn. The second half tide turned their way when Rossi headed in his sixth of the tournament. Tardelli’s excellent strike caused wild celebrations and effectively shut out the West Germans.
Even a late consolation from the outstanding Paul Breitner was cancelled by an excellent finish from Altobelli.
Loading...
1986 – ARGENTINA v WEST GERMANY in Mexico
MS.DVD.671 100 mins colour
Apart from the obvious talent (and gamesmanship) of Maradona, this great game was dictated by his unsung supporting cast…. Valdano, Burruchaga, Enrique…. Coming back from two goals down, the Germans were cruelly beaten by the exhausted Briegel, who let in Burruchaga for the winner.