West Germany's 1990 World Cup

The 1990 FIFA World Cup was held in Italy from June 8th to July 8th, 1990. West Germany, which would later become unified Germany, participated in the tournament and achieved significant success, ultimately reaching the final. Here are some key details and highlights of West Germany's journey in the 1990 World Cup:

1. Squad and Manager: West Germany's national team was led by coach Franz Beckenbauer, a legendary figure in German football. The squad included notable players such as Lothar Matthäus, Jürgen Klinsmann, Rudi Völler, and Andreas Brehme.

2. Group Stage: West Germany was drawn into Group D alongside Yugoslavia, Colombia, and the United Arab Emirates. The team finished at the top of their group, winning two matches and drawing one.

3. Knockout Stages: In the Round of 16, West Germany faced the Netherlands in a highly anticipated match, known as the "Battle of Milan." The game was a tense encounter that ended in a 2-1 victory for West Germany.

4. Semifinals: In the semifinals, West Germany faced England. The match went into extra time after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. In a dramatic penalty shootout, West Germany prevailed, winning 4-3 to secure a spot in the final.

5. Final: In the final, West Germany faced Argentina in a rematch of the 1986 World Cup final. The match took place on July 8th, 1990, at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The lone goal of the match came from Andreas Brehme through a penalty in the 85th minute, securing a 1-0 victory for West Germany. This victory marked West Germany's third World Cup title.

6. Lothar Matthäus: Lothar Matthäus played a crucial role in West Germany's success throughout the tournament. He captained the team and was instrumental in midfield, displaying his skill, leadership, and versatility. Matthäus was awarded the FIFA World Player of the Year in 1991 in recognition of his outstanding performances.

The 1990 World Cup was significant for West Germany as it marked their final appearance as West Germany before the reunification with East Germany. The team's success in reaching the final and winning the tournament showcased their resilience, teamwork, and determination. It was a fitting end to an era in German football history before the country would embark on a new chapter as a unified nation.