One of the most iconic dates for Italian sport is that of June 17, 1970, or that of the match of the century. L’Italy faces in the semifinals of World there West Germany at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City at 2,200 meters above sea level in front of 102,444 people under the direction of Arturo Yamasaki. There are many champions present on both sides: there are Facchetti, Mazzola, Riva and Rivera, but also Beckenbauer, Seeler and Gerd Muller. The Azzurri had difficulties in the group, the Germans dominated it.
The conditions are the best. Valcareggi’s national team takes the lead in the 8th minute with Boninsegna, who beats Maier from long range with his left foot. From that moment Italy practically only tried to defend, trying to worry their opponents with sporadic counterattacks. When things seem practically resolved, here’s the inconvenience you don’t expect: after three penalties not awarded to West Germany, a cross from Overath and a miracle from Albertosi on Seeler, it’s Schnellinger to be in the right place and score the 1-1 in added time in the second half. Albertosi would later say that his rival, years later, told him that he was in attack to get back to the locker room more quickly and avoid the fans spitting at the final whistle.
Anything happens in extra time: first Mullerthe 9th goal in the World Cup, scored the 2-1 in the 94th minute, then Burgnich in the 98th minute they equalized following a free kick taken by Rivera. Balance reigns, many think it could go to penalties, but the unthinkable is about to happen. In the 104th minute Italy took the lead again shore, who comes into his own after Domenghini’s assist and with a left-footed shot beats a not irreproachable Maier. The short break gives West Germany time to regroup and in the 110th minute it is once again a draw and 3-3 with goals as usual Gerd Mullerwhich uses a Seeler tower and less than perfect positioning of Rivera. However, a few seconds pass and the result changes dramatically again, with the Milan player redeeming himself and scoring the final 4-3, which allows the Azzurri to return to the final of a World Cup 32 years later. Below is the scoreboard:
Italy: Albertosi, Burgnich, Facchetti, Bertini, Rosato (from 91′ Poletti), Cera, Domenghini, Mazzola (from 46′ Rivera), Boninsegna, De Sisti, Riva. Technical commissioner: Valcareggi.
West Germany: Maier, Vogts, Patzke (from 65′ Held), Beckenbauer, Schnellinger, Schulz, Grabowski, Seeler, Müller, Overath, Löhr (from 51′ Libuda). Technical commissioner: Schön.
Networks: 8′ Boninsegna, 90′ Schnellinger, 94′ Müller, 98′ Burgnich, 104′ Riva, 110′ Müller, 111′ Rivera.
