FIFA World Cup 1974 was the tenth staging of the FIFA World Cup and the first to be held in West Germany. It was held from 13 June to 7 July 1974. West Germany defeated the Netherlands 2-1 in the final. Current FIFA World Cup Trophy was firstly introduced in 1974 World Cup, the Jules Rimet Trophy, had been won for the third time by Brazil in 1970 and awarded permanently to them. This was the first out of three World Cups to feature two rounds of group stages.
The tournament featured a new format. While the competition once again began with the sixteen teams divided into four groups of four teams, the eight teams which advanced did not enter a knockout stage as in the previous five World Cups but instead played in a second group stage. The winners of the two groups in the second stage then played each other in the final, with the respective runners-up from each group meeting in the third place play-off.
East Germany, Yugoslavia, Netherlands and Poland topped their groups, with West Germany, Brazil, Sweden and Argentina coming in second place. Both eight teams qualified for the next round. The teams split into two groups of four. The winners of each group qualified for the final, while the runners-up and third-placed teams qualified for the third-place play-off. Netherlands topped their group, followed by Brazil, East Germany and Argentina. The West Germany topped their group, followed by Poland, Sweden and Yugoslavia.
Third position match was played between Brazil and Poland with surprising result of Poland defeating Brazil with 1-0.
The final match was held on 7 July 1974 at the Olympiastadion in Munich, West Germany, between the Netherlands and West Germany. The Netherlands had already won the European Championship two years prior, making them the favorites to take home this World Cup as well.
Match started in an electrifying fashion with both sides attacking and creating chances. However, it was the Dutch who took the lead in the first half when Johan Neeskens scored from penalty kick in 2nd Minute. West Germany awarded penalty kick in 25th minute, Paul Breitner scoring first goal for West Germany. West Germany now pushed for a winner, which eventually came in the 43rd minute through Gerd Muller. Eventually West Germany Wining the World Cup with 2-1.
The 1974 FIFA World Cup Final is remembered as one of the greatest matches in World Cup history. It provided a fitting climax to an entertaining tournament. These matches will also forever be remembered as one of the greatest examples of footballing drama and tension.