Uncontrolled Frenzy Leads to Memorable Episodes in German Football History
Author: Ben RedelingsPublished on: Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, Email, Print, Copy Link
History remembers the 3:3 draw against Italy, not just for Musiala's century goal from Kimmich's corner, but for the sheer, unpredictable twists that define the German national team's extraordinary journey.
"In the first half, we were mere spectators. The Germans could have scored with their eyes closed," Sweden's star player Zlatan Ibrahimovic lamented at halftime in the historic October 16th, 2012 game at Berlin's Olympic Stadium. The German team led 4:0 against a completely demoralized Sweden. But with 45 minutes left, they were in for a rollercoaster ride. Sweden, with Ibrahimovic's goal to make it 1:4, ignited a spectacular comeback that culminated in a 4:4 draw after 90 minutes. The German team had squandered a 4:0 lead for the first time in its then 104-year history. Ibrahimovic shared that he saw the despair etched onto the faces of the German players. After the game, Sweden felt as if they had already qualified for the World Cup, a decision that ultimately proved disastrous as they missed out on the tournament.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann viewed the outcome of the game against Italy as a blessing in disguise, stating, "Maybe it's better for us not to win 4:0 today, but to realize what we can do, how good we can play football, but that we have to show this good football throughout the whole game." A timely wake-up call, similar to the shock therapy experienced in 2012 against Sweden, as the team went on to win the World Cup, an accomplishment that seemed impossible after the fateful October 16th.
Another unbelievable twist in a national team game took place on July 8th, 1982 in the legendary "Night of Sevilla." After a tumultuous World Cup packed with 1001 football stories ("Lake Schlucksee" and "Gijon Disgrace"), the German team faced France in the semifinal and was forced into extra time after a 1:1 draw. With the German team already 1:3 down after just a few minutes, an injured Karl-Heinz Rummenigge came on and, together with Klaus Fischer, led the team to the first penalty shootout in World Cup history.
Rummenigge, standing alone in the center circle just before the shot, thought his heart would swim away any moment. But he pulled through, and even his teammate Paul Breitner had an unforgettable quote: "We all had our pants full, but it went very smoothly for me." And indeed, Breitner made his penalty, helping Germany advance to the final after a 3:3 draw after 120 minutes and a 5:4 penalty shootout, although they ultimately lost to Italy.
The German national team experienced more luck with another crazy twist - the legendary final of the 1954 World Cup against Hungary. The Hungarians took an early 2:0 lead, with Puskás and Czibor scoring after just nine minutes. The Hungarian team seemed in a trance, stirring memories of their humiliating victory over the German team in the preliminary round. Yet, the German national team staged a remarkable comeback, scoring two goals in the remaining nine minutes, with Max Morlock and Helmut Rahn leveling the score at 2:2. The rest, as they say, is history.
The current match against Italy, characterized by its shocking twists and turns, finds a striking parallel in history. Jamal Musiala's goal after a corner from Joshua Kimmich will be a memorable addition to the history of football. A true century goal, sure to be told for generations to come. Just like this international match itself, an evening full of extraordinary moments and tales. A night that will remain in memory, just like the matches in 1954, 1982, and 2012, not only for their crazy twists but also for the heart-pounding drama that unfolded.
Source: ntv.de
- Football national team
- DFB
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Tearing Through Time: The Remarkable Rise and Unforgettable Falls of the German National Team
The German national team has seen its fair share of dramatic highs and lows throughout their history. Here are a few notable examples that showcase their resilience and ability to turn games around:
- 2025 UEFA Nations League Quarterfinals: Italy vs. Germany (Second Leg)
- With the score tied 3:3 at halftime, Germany faced an Italian comeback in the second leg of their quarterfinal match in the UEFA Nations League. Despite giving up three goals in the second half, Germany's first-half lead secured them a spot in the semi-finals with a 5-4 aggregate win.
- 2012 UEFA Women's Euro: Germany vs. France (Final)
- In the final of the 2012 UEFA Women's Euro, Germany came from behind to defeat France 1:0 in extra time after a tense, goalless 120 minutes. The decisive goal came from Simone Laudehr, earning Germany their second UEFA Women's Euro title.
- 1986 FIFA World Cup: West Germany vs. France (Semi-Final)
- Although not a comeback in the traditional sense, West Germany's semifinal match against France in the 1986 FIFA World Cup displayed remarkable resilience. The match ended 0:0 after extra time and moved to a tense penalty shootout, with West Germany eventually emerging victorious.
- 1974 FIFA World Cup: West Germany vs. Netherlands (Final)
- In the 1974 FIFA World Cup final, West Germany came from behind to defeat Netherlands 2:1. After Johan Neeskens gave Netherlands the lead from the penalty spot, Paul Breitner equalized with another penalty, and Gerd Müller scored the winner, turning the match into a memorable victory for West Germany.
These examples highlight Germany's capacity to adapt and turn games around, especially when faced with adversity. Whether it's winning after squandering a 4:0 lead, coming from behind to win a World Cup, or fighting back from a 3:0 halftime deficit, the German national team never shies away from a challenge.
- At halftime during the 2025 UEFA Nations League Quarterfinals against Italy, Zlatan Ibrahimovic criticized his team's performance as they trailed 3:3, but Germany held on to progress with a 5-4 aggregate win.
- During the final of the 2012 UEFA Women's Euro, the German national team overcame a goalless 120 minutes to defeat France 1:0 in extra time, with Simone Laudehr scoring the decisive goal.
- In the 1986 FIFA World Cup semi-final against France, West Germany displayed remarkable resilience, winning the match through a tense penalty shootout after a scoreless 120 minutes.
