In the 1974 World Cup final, Franz Beckenbauer led the Federal Republic of Germany to a 2-1 victory after an early backlog against the Netherlands. Franz was the first player ever to raise the new FIFA World Cup.
The contrasts were already showing in the days before the game. While the Dutch were accompanied by stories of scandal and nocturnal debauchery in the press, Franz relied on peace and solidarity. He invited his fellow players to his house and relaxed things with music and conversations. Franz knew that a final would not only be decided on the pitch, but also in the mind.
When the game began, the first shock hit the Germans immediately. Without a player from Germany having touched the ball, they were only 63 seconds behind: Cruyff had taken off, Uli Hoeness fouled him in the penalty area, Neeskens converted the penalty to 0-1. The favorite wanted to demonstrate that he was inviolable. Germany appeared paralyzed for a short time. But Franz faced the pressure. With clear instructions from behind, calmness and overview, he gave his team the necessary support.
In the 23rd minute, the answer came: Bernd Hölzenbein entered the penalty area and fell after contact. Referee Taylor pointed to the point. Paul Breitner took responsibility and turned ice-cold. Germany was back. Even before the break, Gerd Müller, the “Bomber of the Nation,” followed suit with a typical goal: unspectacular but unstoppable. 2:1 for the Federal Republic of Germany.
In the second half, the Dutch pushed with all their might. Attack after attack rolled on the German goal, Sepp Maier parried in world-class fashion, Berti Vogts glued Cruyff's heels. And right in the middle of it all, Franz Beckenbauer, the Libero, who not only defended but also steered the game from behind, closed gaps and radiated peace. It was a duel between two geniuses — Cruyff with his creativity, Franz with his elegance and tactical brilliance. In the end, it was Franz who maintained the upper hand.
When referee Jack Taylor blew the whistle, cheers erupted. Germany became world champions in their own country. Franz was the first player ever to raise the new FIFA World Cup. For many, it was his biggest moment: Not only because he led the team to the title as captain, but because he was the decisive figure who shaped a battered team into victory.
For the Dutch, the final remained a trauma; for Germany, it was the crowning achievement. Franz was not just a player, he was a strategist, leader, face and heart of this triumph. The Munich final finally put him in the Olympus of world soccer.
