101 Most Memorable World Cup Moments: Match of the Century

Doug McIntyre

Football journalist

Editor’s Note: Every day from now until the first match starts World Cup 2022 On November 20, we will reveal another celebration with World Cup history. The countdown from 101 continues with the “Game of the Century” between Italy and West Germany.

No wonder they call it Game of the Century. Draw 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes in their 1970 World Cup semi-final in front of over 100,000 fans at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, Western Germany and Italy burst with five goals in half an hour of extra time, and the Azzurri eventually won in the 111th minute by Gianni Rivera.

Italy took the lead for most of the match. But Germany equalized thanks to defender Heinz Schnellinger in the second minute of injury time, and Germany striker Gerd Müller took full advantage of the stunned Azzurri defense as he gave his team a 2-1 lead early in extra time. Italy responded, and things were back to normal when they equalized 2-2 just four minutes later.

Gigi Riva then gave Italy a 3-2 lead, and that looked like it would work out – until a defensive error by Rivera allowed Müller to level the score for Die Mannschaft once again. Just nine minutes before the draw to determine which team would advance to the final (FIFA didn’t introduce a penalty-kick player until the 1974 World Cup), Rivera made up for his mistake to give Italy the lead. .

Never before have five World Cup goals been scored in extra time, let alone between two of the sport’s most highly regarded teams with a place in the final at stake. The record exists to this day. Does Game of the Century do it justice? Otherwise, the best World Cup game that ever worked.

Game of the century

Germany and Italy combined for five goals in extra time in the 1970 World Cup semi-final.

Doug McIntyre is a football writer for FOX Sports. Prior to joining FOX Sports in 2021, he was an editor for ESPN and Yahoo Sports and he covered the US men’s and women’s national teams at multiple FIFA World Cups. Follow him on Twitter @ByDougMcIntyre.

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