In his first game for the national team, Franz secured qualification for the World Cup in England together with his teammates and immediately established himself as a regular player there.
In the 40th minute, he managed to step into the big limelight: After a double pass with Seeler, he scored 3-0 and created enthusiasm in the stadium and among television reporters. Just nine minutes after the break, he underlined his importance for the team with another goal for 4:0.
It became clear that Franz Beckenbauer became the leader of the team. More and more often, he gave instructions and conducted with sweeping arm movements. The players accepted his new role and listened increasingly to the young player's words.
The following games against Argentina (0:0) and Spain (2:1) were unspectacular. But in the quarter-final against Uruguay, the German team showed their full potential. Franz acted attentively and once again proved his outstanding overview. Defensively, he closed pass routes across the outer railways and forced the Uruguayans to make safe deals from the center. He drove the game offensively with quick advances. After the lead by Haller, Franz scored 2:0 in the 70th minute and thus secured the advantage. Haller and Seeler finally raised to the 4-0 final score.
Germany faced the Soviet Union in the semifinals. A goal from Haller in the 43rd minute brought the lead, and after being sent off against Chislenko, the victory seemed within reach. In the 68th minute, Franz scored 2:0 with a shot from 20 meters. The late follow-up by the Soviets did not change the result anymore.
Now anything was possible: final match against hosts England. Franz was given the special task of removing playmaker Bobby Charlton from the game. But the English were still able to develop and secured the World Cup title by two goals. Coach Helmut Schön later wrote in his book: “The game went as if we weren't even there. The private duel had no advantages or disadvantages. ”
The German team narrowly missed out on the big victory, but Franz Beckenbauer became world-famous. Thanks to new camera and transmission technology, the games were broadcasted all over the world and Franz was henceforth considered one of the best soccer players in the world.
