*FIFA had little choice but to award the competition to West Germany as the only other applicant, Spain, had withdrawn. The letters "WM" on the 1974 World Cup logo is an abbreviation for Weltmeisterschaft, German for World Championship.
ITV's panel, host Brian Moore,
and Gary Newbon interviewing Alf Ramsey
Derek Dougan, Bobby Moncur,
Pat Crerand and Malcolm Allison discussing the Scotland v Yugoslavia game
Qualification
There were nine European qualifying groups, five
of which had four teams, the others had three. Only those finishing first
would qualify.
The draw, made in Dusseldorf on 18th July 1971,
paired up England and Wales
in a three-team pool together with Poland in Group 5. It was a draw that
Alf Ramsey and England could not have been displeased with as they had
not lost to Wales in annual meetings since 1955 and had only once failed
to beat them at Wembley, the Pole's only experience of a World Cup finals
was way back in 1938 and although they had managed a draw against England
in a friendly at Goodison Park in January 1966, England had won the only
other encounter in Chorzów later that same year. However, by the
Autumn of 1972, England had good reason for concern - After appointing
Kazimierz Górski as manager in December 1970, Poland won gold at
the Olympic Games in Munich.
Scotland had failed to qualify for all of the three previous World Cup's, they had recently enjoyed a revival under Tommy Docherty but he left for Manchester United before the crucial Group 8 fixtures with Czechoslovakia. The Scots had made no mistake in their opening games against the one other team in the group, Denmark (still at a relatively primitive phase of development having only first entered the World Cup of 1966), Scotland took maximum points from the Danes to put the pressure on the Czechs whose own matches against Denmark would follow. The Czechs could only draw in Denmark and, despite then thrashing the Danes 6-0 at home, Scotland now knew that 2 draws or 1 win v the Czechs would see them through. The first clash with Czechoslovakia took place at Hampden Park on 26th September 1973, and with Willie Ormond now at the helm, Scotland came from behind on an unforgettable night in front of the live STV cameras to win 2-1 and secure 1st place.
On the same night that the Scots booked their place in West Germany, Poland beat Dave Bowen's Wales 3-0 to go top of Group 5, the result finally killed off the Welsh who had beaten the Poles at home and earned a draw away to England, Poland's victory meant that England now had to win the final group fixture against the Poles at Wembley. England's campaign had begun well enough with a 1-0 win in Wales, but a hugely disappointing draw in the return fixture in January 1973 was followed by a disastrous 2-0 defeat away to Poland in June. The match between England and Poland on 17th October 1973 was exclusively live on ITV and ended in 1-1 draw, which meant England had failed to qualify for a World Cup finals for the first time since they began entering the competition in 1950, but it has to be said that England were extremely unlucky on the night and it should also be noted that the Poles went on to beat Brazil in the 3rd place play-off having topped a group which included Argentina and Italy. Had England recovered to make some sort of impression on the next World Cup, or even Euro 76, then the Poland debacle would have largely been forgotten, but unfortunately it was to take on an ever greater significance as the decade progressed, to the point that it became almost as legendary as England's triumphant 4-2 victory against West Germany in 1966. If the 1966 World Cup marked the beginning of a golden age in English football, the 1974 World Cup campaign signalled its' end.
Terry Neill's Northern
Ireland also failed to qualify, but this was no surprise given that
they were unable to play any of their home matches in their own country,
'The Troubles' dictated that their three 'home' games against Portugal,
Cyprus and Bulgaria had to be staged in England - where only Cyprus were
beaten, and this victory could not appease the costly defeat in Nicosia
in which Cyprus scored their only goal of the entire campaign to beat the
Irish 1-0. The Republic of Ireland were surprise runners-up in Group 9
(the winners of which would have to play-off with a South American team),
they lost both games against the Soviet Union but beat France at home and
earned a draw in Paris, the Soviet Union won the group but then refused
to play their 2nd leg play-off v Chile after the Chilean president was
overthrown by the military in a coup d'état - The 1st leg had ended
in a goalless draw, Chile then decided to stage a token return 'match'
against non-existent opponents in Santiago, going through the motions of
kicking-off and scoring a 'winning goal'. Despite demands from the Soviets
to play the fixture at a neutral venue ("Sending our team to a stadium
which has been used as a concentration camp would be against all human
morals") FIFA officially awarded Chile a 2-0 2nd leg win... and General
Pinochet took over as Chile's president.
Elsewhere, the pinnacle of 1970's football-cool
- the Netherlands - finished top of Group 3, but they could have been denied
a place in the finals had it not been for a controversial offside decision
which robbed Belgium of a likely group winning goal in the final match*,
Belgium did not concede a single goal in their qualifying campaign (which
included two goalless draws v the Netherlands), but the Dutch rattled in
twice as many goals as their neighbours did against Norway & Iceland
and it was the 'Oranje' who went through on goal difference. Ironically,
given the venue for the finals, East Germany qualified for an international
tournament for the first and only time in their entire history. Austria
and Sweden finished on identical points and goal difference in Group 1
and had to contest a single match play-off in West Germany which the Swedes
won 2-1, Austria would have qualified had either the goals-for or head-to-head
rule applied. A similar scenario occurred in Group 7 with Spain and Yugoslavia
joint top in-spite of Spain scoring more goals, and it was Yugoslavia who
won through via another play-off match in West Germany.
*View a freeze frame of the controversial moment that sent the Netherlands, and not Belgium, into the World Cup finals. Belgium were robbed of what would have been a spectacular volleyed goal by Leon Semmeling on the end of this free kick, but it was ruled out for offside.
British TV coverage of World Cup 74
ITV games are in white, BBC or non-televised matches
are in grey.
All matches were broadcast in colour.
Sat
05/Jan/1974 "World Cup Draw: Live From Frankfurt"
*BBC1 showed the draw live at
8:20-8:35pm. ITV included it in their news bulletin at 9:00-9:20pm and
SCOTTISH TV probably looked at the draw in more detail on their extended
Sunday afternoon "Scotsport" programme at 2:05-3:30pm. Detlef Lange, an
11 year-old Berlin choirboy, was chosen to pick the teams and he was responsible
for the most controversial World Cup draw yet - the pairing of both East
and West Germany in the same group. Scotland would face Brazil (the current
World champions) in Group 2 along with Zaire (the first 'black African'
nation to make it through to a World Cup finals) and either Spain or Yugoslavia
(still yet to play-off on 13th February after finishing joint top in their
qualifying group).
ITV captions from the preview
programme broadcast on 12th June 1974
Sixteen
nations were divided into four groups of four as usual, but there was a
drastic change to the format after the opening round - The Quarter-finals
and Semi-finals were dropped in favour of a Second round group phase in
which two groups of four would produce two runners-up to contest the 3rd/4th
place play off and two group winners who would contest the final, the change
increased the number of matches from 32 to 38. The venues were; Munich,
West Berlin, Hamburg, Dortmund, Dusseldorf, Gelsenkirchen, Frankfurt, Hanover
and Stuttgart.
Security for the finals was tightened in light
of the shocking 'Black September' terrorist attack on the Israeli team
during the Munich Olympics two years earlier, there were also threats made
against certain teams participating in 1974 - Scotland were concerned about
the IRA, Chile trained on a pitch surrounded by barbed wire and armed guards
after the Chilean consulate in Berlin was fire-bombed shortly before the
finals began, and the Netherlands were warned that one of their star players
may be kidnapped by Arab terrorists after two Palestinians had recently
been jailed in Holland for a hijacking. A parachute display before the
final was cancelled because security chiefs feared 'unauthorized persons'
might try to parachute into the stadium.
On a lighter note, the Scotland squad released
a World Cup song "Easy, Easy" on the Polydor label, but it did not make
an appearance on Top of the Pops and stalled at number 20 on the
singles chart.
Wed 12/Jun/1974 "World Cup '74"
*ITV showed a special preview programme (subtitled
"Can Scotland Do It?") on the night before the tournament began at 9-10pm.
The programme was introduced by Brian Moore and included highlights of
Scotland's pre-tournament friendlies againt Belgium and Norway with a voice-over
by Brian Moore. There was also an analysis of Scotland's group rivals with
correspondants in each of the teams' camps (Hugh Johns in Brazil's, Gerald
Sinstadt in Zaire's and Gary Newbon in Yugoslavia's). The whole World Cup
panel made an appearance: Brian Clough, Alf Ramsey, Malcolm Allison, Paddy
Crerand, Derek Dougan, Jack Charlton and Bob Moncur, each giving his opinion
on Scotland's chances. Clough and Moore predicted the seven most likely
star players. There was also a section of how viewers could participate
- "World Cup Couplet" (Mixture of betting and score predicting), "World
Cup Phone-In" (Call to anyone on the panel and give their impressions)
and "Letters and postcards". BBC1 had a "World Cup Grandstand" preview
the same evening at 8:10-9:00pm.
First Round
Game 1
Thu 13/Jun/1974 Brazil 0 Yugoslavia 0
Group 2 (5pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Hugh Johns
*Both ITV and BBC1 broadcast the opening ceremony
and first game live, ITV's coverage began at 3pm and ran until 7pm (with
a 5 minute news bulletin at 5:55pm), Hugh Johns voiced the match but Gerald
Sinstadt may have described the opening ceremony which featured 16 giant
footballs that opened like eggs to reveal singers and dancers representing
each participating country, Pelé also made an appearance by carrying
the Jules Rimet trophy alongside West Germany's Uwe Seller who carried
the new FIFA Trophy. The match itself was a disappointing affair, not helped
by the wet conditions and a very poor pitch. BBC1 coverage of the afternoon's
events began half-an-hour earlier at 2:30pm, finishing at 6:50pm (David
Coleman commentated for them). BBC1 was the only channel to show highlights
at 10:15-11pm.
Fri 14/Jun/1974 West Germany 1 (Breitner) Chile 0
Group 1 (4:30pm bst)
ITV Highlights
Gerry Harrison
*BBC1 showed this LIVE (Barry Davies commentating)
in a programme scheduled for 3:40-5:50pm with "news from the Scottish camp".
Chile's participation in the finals provided leftwing groups with the perfect
stage in which to make their opposition to the new Chilean government junta
visible to an international audience, members of the Solidarity Committee
purchased around 1500 tickets, occupying entire blocks of seats, and as
the Chilean national anthem was played they began to chant "Chile Si, Junta
No!" and unfurled flags and banners - one of which substituted the letters
"ch" in President "Pinochet" with a swastika (a now illegal symbol in West
Germany). The protest did not exactly fall on sympathetic ears among most
West German fans who retorted with loud whistles, 2000 riot police then
entered the stadium and surrounded the protesters who continued to chant
throughout the game. Paul Breitner scored the only goal on 16 minutes -
finishing off an 11 pass move with a 25 yard strike, Chile's Carlos Caszely
was sent off on 67 for a retaliatory tackle on Berti Vogts having already
been booked in the 7th minute.
Fri 14/Jun/1974 Scotland 2 (Lorimer, Jordan) Zaire
0
Group 2 (7:30pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Hugh Johns & Alf Ramsey
*ITV's Friday World Cup coverage began at 7pm, "Miss
TV Times" followed at 9:30pm. Scotland were in the unfortunate position
of opening their campiagn against the least known-about team in the group,
and were therefore unable to gauge what would constitute a satisfactory
scoreline should goal-difference come into play. David Hay saw his shot
hit the upright on 24 but two minutes later he crossed for Joe Jordan who
nodded to Peter Lorimer and his volley found the back of the net for 1-0,
goal number two was a total embarrassment for Zaire's goalkeeper Kazadi
as he allowed Jordan's header from Billy Bremner's free-kick on 33 to slip
from his grasp and drop over the line. The floodlights failed soon after
half-time (Hugh Johns asked Alf Ramsey for his thoughts on the problem,
Sir Alf replied "I am not an electrician") the players remained on the
pitch and the action resumed after a four minute hold-up, yet Scotland
were unable to add to their tally - Jordan missed an open goal on 70 and
Lorimer saw another shot hit the woodwork. Denis Law made his 55th and
final appearance in the Scottish jersey. BBC1 also showed the Scotland
match LIVE (voiced by David Coleman) at 6:45-9:30pm.
Fri 14/Jun/1974 East Germany 2 (Curran(og), Streich)
Australia 0
Group 1 (7:30pm bst)
ITV Highlights
Keith Macklin
*ITV had a late night 30 minute highlights programme
of the day's events which was shown at 12:25am in the London area, but
some regions showed it as early as 11:05pm. Australia fought well but went
behind to an unfortunate own goal by Colin Curran on 56 trying to prevent
a shot that may well have come back off the far post, Joachim Streich made
the result safe for the East Germans, half-volleying into the roof of the
net as he fell to the ground for the 2nd on 75 following a speedy build-up
down the left flank. BBC1 included highlights on their late night programme
at 10:45-11:30pm (with John Motson calling the East Germany match).
Sat 15/Jun/1974 Bulgaria 0 Sweden 0
Group 3 (4pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Gerald Sinstadt*
*ITV showed two live Saturday games as part of "World
of Sport" and there was a "World Cup On The Ball" at 3:10pm before they
joined the live feed from West Germany at 3:45pm - It was then football
all the way until 8pm (aside from a five minute news bulletin at 5:50pm).
Panov hit the crossbar for Bulgaria and also had a goal ruled out for offside,
whilst the Swedes had two penalty appeals turned down in a fairly even
contest. Many spectators decided to leave early because of a looming thunderstorm.
BBC1 later showed highlights (Alan Weeks commentating). *TVTimes lists
Macklin as the commentator for this match.
Sat 15/Jun/1974 Netherlands 2 (Rep 2) Uruguay 0
Group 3 (4pm bst)
ITV Highlights
Keith Macklin
*BBC1 showed this fixture live (Barry Davies commentating)
as part of "World Cup Grandstand" (12:15-7:50pm), the programme also included
French open tennis and racing. "World Cup Report" was shown at 1:05-1:20pm,
live football coverage began at 3:50pm. The Dutch were the last team to
arrive in West Germany - fuelling speculation that the players were still
embroiled in a pay dispute, but thankfully the problem had been resolved
before their opening fixture in which the Netherlands performance of 'Total
football' was a revelation, building exciting and inventive attacks and
leaving Uruguay to lunge and body-check to an extent that was remarkable
even by their own notorious standards. Johnny Rep headed the Oranje ahead
on 8 mins after dazzling work by star player Johan Cruijff, they had another
'goal' ruled out for offside and probably should have had a penalty late
on. Uruguay were down to ten men on 67 after Julio Montero Castillo was
red carded for two crude fouls in the space of a minute. The match became
shooting practice for the Dutch, but they ballooned most chances over the
bar and it wasn't until the 87th minute that goal number two arrived -
Rensenbrinck drew out the goalkeeper and then squared to Rep who placed
a shot between two defenders on the line for 2-0. Monday's Daily Mirror
reported the match under the headline "Thugs of Uruguay".
Sat 15/Jun/1974 Poland 3 (Lato 2, Szarmach) Argentina
2 (Heredia, Babington)
Group 4 (6pm bst)
ITV LIVE
Hugh Johns & Alf Ramsey
*Coverage of ITV's 2nd live match today began at 5:55pm.
Prior to the game, Argentina's Roberto Telch had been accused of raping
a 17 year old hotel chambermaid. When police interviewed Telch, he was
quoted as saying: "I did not take the girl's resistance seriously" and
Stuttgart's chief prosecutor decided not to lay charges "because there
was no evidence to contradict what Telch said." The opening goal in a thrilling
match was a freak gift on 7 minutes when the Argentinean keeper caught
the ball from a corner on the left, but as he brought the ball down it
hit the back of a defender and fell to Lato who prodded home for 1-0, three
minutes later Poland went further ahead after Argentina had very carelessly
given away possession in the Polish half, a swift break led to a cool finish
by Szarmach for 2-0. The Poles later hit the post from a free-kick and
then in the 2nd half almost scored straight from the re-start (in 16 seconds)
but the finishing effort again struck the woodwork. Argentina pulled one
back on 61 courtesy a nicely placed Heredia effort at the end of a neat
build up, but two minutes later Lato restored Poland's two goal advantage
- a poor goalkeeping throw to the left-back was intercepted and Lato pounded
in a shot from an acute angle for 3-1, Argentina kept the game alive with
another goal on 67 when a mass scramble in the 6 yard box culminated in
Babington stabbing the ball in for 2-3. BBC1 included highlights on "World
Cup Match of the Day" (called by John Motson) at 10:25-11:25pm.
Sat 15/Jun/1974 Italy 3 (Rivera, Benetti, Anastasi)
Haiti 1 (Sanon)
Group 4 (6pm bst)
ITV Highlights
Gerry Harrison
*LIVE on BBC1 (David Coleman commentating) from 5:55-7:30pm.
Haiti took a shock lead on 46 when Emmanuel Sanon raced clear, beat Zoff
(who hadn't conceded a goal at international level in 12 matches) and passed
the ball into the empty net, but the wild scenes of celebration were dampened
8 minutes later when Rivera struck an equaliser for Italy on 52 after the
defence failed to clear a looping cross into the box, then on 66 Auguste
defelcted in Benetti's low drive from the edge of the area into his own
net for 2-1 and Anastasi finally killed off the Caribbean side by stabbing
in the 3rd on 79. After the match, Haiti's Ernst Jean-Joseph tested positive
for the stimulant Phenmetrazine (Preludin) and was suspended from the tournament
in spite of his claims that he had been prescribed the drug for his asthma.
Sun 16/Jun/1974 "World Cup '74"
*ITV's weekend highlights/round-up show was broadcast
on Sunday afternoon by all regions at 2-3pm.
Mon 17/Jun/1974 "World Cup '74"
*No fixtures were played today, but ITV had a World
Cup programme scheduled for 10:25-12noon which looked back at the opening
matches. Both channels showed a preview of tomorrow's action, ITV at 5:20-5:50pm
(except STV who showed it at 6:10pm and HTV who opted out altogether) and
BBC1 had "World Cup Report" at 6:35-6:55pm. An article in the press drew
attention to concerns about players feigning injury to get opponents booked
and also blatant time-wasting near the end of matches.
An example of the 1974 World
Cup score caption graphics.
Replays of goals were always
from an elevated position behind the net.
Tue 18/Jun/1974 West Germany
3 (Overath, Cullmann, Müller) Australia 0
Group 1 (4pm)
ITV Highlights
Keith Macklin
*BBC1 showed this LIVE (Barry
Davies commentating) as part of "World Cup Grandstand" which began at 2:35pm
but had horse racing from 2:45-3:55pm. Most ITV viewers probably saw highlights
on the 30 minute tea-time show (but HTV and Southern opted out). The first
goal on 13 was a magnificent left foot strike into the top corner by Wolfgang
Overath after he picked up a loose ball mid-way inside the Australian half,
Müller was unlucky not to make it two with a diving header which came
back off the cross-bar but Bernd Cullmann was on the end of another cross
from the right on 35 and his header found the net for 2-0, the third was
a glancing header by Müller from a corner on 53. Abonyi hit the post
for Australia late on but the West Germans had secured their place in the
next round. Nevertheless the home fans were not impressed by their teams's
performance and captain Franz Beckenbauer later had to apologise for making
insulting gestures and spitting in the direction of the Hamburg fans.
Tue 18/Jun/1974 East Germany
1 (Hoffmann) Chile 1 (Ahumada)
Group 1 (7:30pm)
ITV Highlights
Gerry Harrison
*This match was played at the
same time as Scotland's match with Brazil, highlights were included on
both channel's late night round-up programmes. Following the protests at
Chile's previous fixture, security was tightened in West Berlin and not
one demonstrator was able to smuggle a banner into the stadium, but they
had prepared a substitute protest - activists wearing yellow raincoats
arranged themselves in the stands so as to form a giant swastika. The protesters
sought to engage and encourage the 3000 carefully chosen fans who had arrived
on special trains from the communist half of Berlin to join in with their
chants (such as "Chile Socialista"), but the East German support obeyed
strict instructions to avoid anything that might "disturb" or "discredit"
their team's first participation in a World Cup tournament. Martin Hoffmann
gave the East Germans the lead with a close range header on 55, Chile equalised
through Sergio Ahumada on 69. The BBC commentator at the game was Alan
Weeks.
Tue 18/Jun/1974 Brazil 0 Scotland
0
Group 2 (7:30pm)
ITV LIVE
Hugh Johns & Alf Ramsey
*Live on both channels, ITV's
programme began at 7pm except in the SCOTTISH region where coverage began
at 6:30pm (Arthur Montford commentated for them), the show was due to end
by 9:30pm. BBC1 scheduled their programme for 6:45-9:30pm (David Coleman
commentating, Archie MacPherson called the match for viewers in Scotland).
It was an uncharacteristaclly ruthless performannce from Brazil who threatened
early on, coming closest to scoring when Leivinha volleyed a shot against
the crossbar from a corner. Hearing that Yugoslavia were thrashing Zaire
at Half-time, Scotland then began pushing forward to test the none-too-impressive
Brazilian goalkeeper, the best chance came when Joe Jordan's header from
a corner was fumbled to the feet of Billy Bremner with the goal gaping,
but the opportunity came too quick for Bremner who could do no more than
instinctively stick out a foot and prod agonsisingly wide. Peter Lorimer
went close with a number of efforts whilst at the other end David Harvey
made some notably fine saves. Rivelino should have been sent off for striking
Billy Bremner having already been booked. Scottish boss Willie Ormond said
"We did enough to win, but the Brasilians just stopped us by fair means
or foul and I felt we should have had a better deal from the referee."A
draw against the World Champions was a very creditable result, but the
scoreline in the other Group 2 match now meant that Scotland would have
to beat Yugoslavia in their final fixture as Brazil would be expected to
beat Zaire by more than two goals.
Tue 18/Jun/1974 Yugoslavia 9
(Bajevic 3, Džajic, Šurjak, Katalinski, Bogicevic, Oblak, Petkovic) Zaire
0
Group 2 (7:30pm)
ITV Highlights
Gerald Sinstadt
*Both ITV and BBC1 had a late
night Tuesday highlights show, BBC1 from 10:30-11:15pm and ITV from 11pm-midnight.
ITV also had a lengthy programme the following morning (10:25am-12noon).
A completely one-sided match saw Yugoslavia equal Hungary's record breaking
World Cup finals win v South Korea in 1954, they were 3-0 up in 17 minutes
through Bajevic (a header at the far post on 8), Džajic (from a direct
free-kick on 14) and Šurjak (shooting on the turn to score as Sinstadt
declared "They are deadly!"). Zaire's response was to substitute the goalkeeper,
but his first touch was to pick the 4th goal out of the net scored by Katalinski
on 28, Zaire protested and were reduced to ten men as Ndayé received
a straight red card for appearing to kick the referee, Bajevic headed his
2nd on 30 and a Bogicevic header on 38 gave Yugoslavia a 6-0 HT lead. Oblak
thundered in a free-kick on 51 for number 7, Petkovic was first capitalise
on a loose ball on the edge of the D to make it 8-0 on 65 and a volley
from Bajevic completed his hat-trick with the final goal on 81. The BBC
commentator was John Motson. It was later revealed that, before the match,
the Zaire team initially refused to play when they learnt that they were
not going to be paid.
Wed
19/Jun/1974 Netherlands 0 Sweden 0
Group 3 (7:30pm)
ITV Highlights
Gerald Sinstadt
*Wednesday saw all four Group
3&4 fixtures kick off at the same time, BBC opted to show this
Group 3 match LIVE with David Coleman commentating in a programme also
promising athletics (6:40-9:30pm). Sweden were on the end of a constant
barrage of attacks but had the best chances, Johan Cruijff was man of the
match and produced an iconic moment of skill which became known as the
"Cruijff turn" - Cruijff looked as though he had no option but to try and
beat Gunnar Olsson in the space facing away from goal, but in one magical
movement he 'side-heeled' the ball back the other way behind his standing
foot, swivelled his entire body in the same direction and took off with
Olsson seemingly left marking an invisible man (see capture).
Wed 19/Jun/1974 Bulgaria 1 (Bonev)
Uruguay 1 (Pavoni)
Group 3 (7:30pm)
ITV Highlights
Keith Macklin
*Both channels showed highlights
during their late night World Cup programmes. Uruguay were much better
behaved than in their previous match but were still reluctant to come out
of their defensive shell, Bonev put Bulgaria into a 75th minute lead with
a diving header after good work by Voinov on the right flank, but Pavoni
kept Uruguay in the tournament with an equaliser on 87 by driving in a
low shot from the left after Bulgaria had carelessly surrendered possession
in their own half. BBC commentator was John Motson.
Wed 19/Jun/1974 Argentina 1
(Houseman) Italy 1 (Perfumo(og))
Group 4 (7:30pm)
ITV LIVE
Hugh Johns
*Coverage of ITV's live match
was scheduled for 7:00-9:30pm (Most regions had a half-hour tea-time preview
show too). This was an eagerly anticipated clash which Argentina could
not afford to lose and probably needed to win, Houseman gave Argentina
the lead on 19 when he ran onto a ball into the box and half-volleyed a
fine shot past Zoff from the left, but Italy were gifted an equaliser on
36 - Carnevali appeared to have a cross by Rivera towards Bonetti covered,
but his captain Perfumo turned the ball into his own net. Italy became
frustrated in the 2nd half but the anticipated aggro between the players
failed to materialise and it was a disappointing match. BBC highlights
were called by Barry Davies.
Wed 19/Jun/1974 Poland 7 (Lato
2, Deyna, Szarmach 3, Gorgon) Haiti 0
Group 4 (7:30pm)
ITV Highlights
Gerry Harrison
*BBC had a late programme scheduled
to include both World cup action and athletics at 10:30-11:55pm, ITV's
highlights show went out at 11pm-midnight. Poland easily swept aside Haiti
scoring 5 goals in the space of 34 minutes, Lato netted the opener on 17
by stabbing home from a chip into the box, Deyna glanced in a header from
a corner for the 2nd on 19, Szarmach headed in from another corner for
3-0 on 30, Gorgon drove in an indirect free-kick from 25-yards out on 32
for goal number 4, Szarmach slotted home past the advancing keeper on 34
to make it 5-0 for HT. Two further goals followed in the 2nd half, Szarmach
with yet another headed goal from a corner for his hat-trick on 50 and
Lato made it 7-0 on 67. BBC commenator was Alan Weeks.
Thu 20/Jun/1974 "World Cup '74"
*No fixtures today, but ITV
had another morning slot scheduled for 10:25-12noon and both channels had
round-up programmes around tea-time; ITV at 5:20-5:50pm (except STV who
showed it at 6:30pm and HTV & Southern who opted out) and BBC1 with
"World Cup Report" at 6:50-7:10pm.
Fri 21/Jun/1974 "World Cup '74"
*Again, ITV had a morning World
Cup slot 10:25-12noon. There was another ITV tea-time round-up/preview
for most regions at 5:20-5:50pm, BBC1 had a short "World Cup Report" at
6:45-7pm.
Game 3
Sat 22/Jun/1974 Scotland 1 (Jordan)
Yugoslavia 1 (Karasi)
Group 2 (4pm)
ITV LIVE
Hugh Johns
*Both channels showed this fixture
LIVE, ITV as part of "World of Sport" which also included "World Cup On
The Ball" at 3:10-3:45pm, followed by the live coverage from Frankfurt
which ran until 6:05pm. BBC1's "World Cup Grandstand" began at 1:30pm,
but other sports followed "World Cup Report" (which finished at 1:50pm)
until they re-focussed on football from 3:50pm. Scotland's preparation
for this vital match was hardly ideal, a letter in the name of the IRA
threatening to assassinate two protestant players reached their hotel in
the days leading up to the game and the Scottish players had to be accompanied
by armed guards and low-flying helicopters wherever they went. It was win
or bust for Scotland as they could not rely on Zaire to prevent Brazil
from registering a result which would see them finish with a superior goal-difference.
Nevertheless, the Scots (playing in all white) were confident that they
would go through and Joe Jordan was presented with a great chance to give
them a first half lead when a Yugoslav defender failed to deal with a ball
into the box and left Jordan with just the keeper to beat from 7 yards
out, but a poor finish with his weak foot allowed the keeper to push the
ball away to safety. Despite the hot humid conditions and the less than
honourable tactics of the Slavs, Scotland were well on top come half-time,
but no Scotland opener was forthcoming in the 2nd half and on 82 their
chances appeared to be dead and buried when a fresh-off-the-bench Karasi
headed Yugoslavia into the lead. With Brazil thought to be still only 2-0
ahead, Joe Jordan restored real hope with an equaliser on 89 following
a good build up down the middle of the park before Tommy Hutchison sent
in a low cross from the byline on the left which deflected off Peter Lorimer
to the feet of Joe Jordan who scored with a downward half-volley, but when
the final whistle blew the electronic scoreboard flashed up a result of
Brazil 3 Zaire 0 to confirm that Scotland had become the first team in
the history of the World Cup finals to exit without losing a match. Scuffles
had broken out between rival supporters towards the end of the game which
resulted in 4 arrests and 12 people being treated in hospital for minor
injuries including a Yugoslavia fan who was stabbed in the chest with a
broken bottle, but the behaviour of the Scottish support was generally
very good. David Hay and Willie Morgan would not play for Scotland again,
but - along with the rest of the squad - they were at least able to enjoy
the consolation of a heroes welcome home. David Coleman commentated for
those tuned to BBC1 whilst viewers in Scotland heard Arthur Montford on
STV and Archie MacPherson on BBC1.
Sat
22/Jun/1974 Brazil 3 (Jairzinho, Rivelino, Valdomiro)
Zaire 0
Group 2 (4pm)
ITV Highlights
Gerald Sinstadt
*Jairzinho opened the scoring
on 13 with a low-half volley, Rivelino made it 2-0 on 67 with a powerful
shot into the roof of the net from just outside the area, the crucially
important 3rd goal was a sickener for Scottish fans (when they eventually
saw it) as Valdomiro's cross from the right was badly fumbled into the
net by Zaire goalkeeper Kazadi (though he was possibly still dazed after
a nasty kick to the neck area a few minutes earlier). Then came one of
the funniest and best known incidents in World Cup history - Brazil won
a free-kick just outside the D, but when the referee blew his whistle for
the the kick to be taken, Zaire's right-back Mwepu Ilunga sprinted from
the wall and kicked the ball away before a Brazilian player had even touched
it. Ilunga was booked for his actions, but his rush of blood to the head
was perhaps understandable in the context of threats made against his team
by Zaire's president after their humiliating 9-0 defeat to Yugoslavia,
the Leopards were facing the prospect of being unable to return home and
never seeing their families again if they lost to Brazil by more than three
goals. Happily for them, when the free-kick was re-taken, it hit the wall,
bounced to safety and Zaire held out for the remainder of the match. President
Mobutu later withdrew Zaire from the following World Cup, but he himself
was forced to flee the country in 1997 and Zaire then became known as the
Democratic Republic of Congo. John Motson voiced this match for the BBC.
Group 2 Final Table
1. Yugoslavia +9 4
2. Brazil
+3 4
3. Scotland +2
4
4. Zaire
-14 0
Sat 22/Jun/1974 Australia 0
Chile 0
Group 1 (4pm)
ITV Highlights
Gerry Harrison
*A drab match most memorable
for a brief delay early in the 2nd half when a group of pitch invaders
ran across the field to place a flag bearing the slogan "Chile Socialists"
on the centre circle after a heavy burst of monsoon-like rainfall saw the
police leave their positions and seek shelter, Chile's TV broadcasters
were initially caught off guard by the protest before they decided to interrupt
the live pictures with a notice announcing a "technical difficulty". Australia's
Ray Richards was sent off on 83 by a referee who had mistakenly shown Richards
a 2nd yellow card 4 minutes earlier having already booked him in the first
half. Alan Weeks voiced proceedings for the BBC.
Sat 22/Jun/1974 West Germany
0 East Germany 1 (Sparwasser)
Group 1 (7:30pm)
ITV Highlights
Keith Macklin
*Broadcast LIVE on BBC1 (7:15-9:25pm)
with Barry Davies commentating. This historic match was the first and only
encounter between East and West Germany, both teams were already guaranteed
a place in the next phase after the Australia v Chile match had ended in
a draw earlier in the day. West Germany dominated the game, but on 77 minutes
Erich Hamann floated a long pass to the edge of the box which was picked
up by Jürgen Sparwasser who made space and an angle for himself from
which to fire a shot into the roof of the net for 1-0. At the end of the
match ITV's Keith Macklin decalred "If there has been any political gain
at all from this game of football, it's certainly gone East.", yet there
were mixed emotions for the East German public who generally associated
their national side with the oppressive communist regime, matchwinner Jürgen
Sparwasser later fled to the West whilst taking part in a veteran's tour
in 1988. BBC1 were the only channel to show Saturday night highlights of
the day's matches which went out as "World Cup Match Of The Day" at 11:50pm-12:35am.
ITV saved highlights of the Saturday fixtures for the opening 50 minutes
of their 3 hour Sunday afternoon World Cup programme. Despite making it
through to the next phase, West German fans were clearly not happy and
the team was booed on the way to a training session the following week.
Group 1 Final Table
1. East Germany +3 5
2. West Germany +3 4
3. Chile
-1 2
4. Australia -5 1
Sun 23/Jun/1974 Netherlands
4 (Neeskens 2(2pens), Rep, de Jong) Bulgaria 1 (Krol(og))
Group 3 (4pm)
ITV Highlights
Gerald Sinstadt
*All four of today's Group 3
& 4 fixtures kicked off at the same time, BBC1 selected this match
as their LIVE offering which meant all three Netherlands matches so far
were exclusively live on the BBC (David Coleman commentated). Group 3 was
still wide open and the Dutch would have gone out had they lost, but backed
by some 35,000 Oranje supporters they won in convincing fashion. Ironically,
after a penalty had yet to be awarded in the tournament, Johan Neeskens
netted three first half spot kicks, the first on 8 (given for a trip on
Cruijff) was ruled out because a Dutch player was standing in the area,
but the re-take counted for 1-0. Neeskens' 3rd spot-kick on 45 was won
by Jansen, brought down as he sprinted into the box, Neeskens again blasted
into the top left corner for 2-0. Johnny Rep volleyed in goal number three
on 71 after a Cruijff free-kick on the right was only nodded away by a
defender towards the scorer. Rudi Krol netted an own goal under pressure
from Bonev on 78 but substitute Theo de Jong sealed the win for the Dutch
on 88 by diving full-length to head in a centre by Cruijff for 4-1.
Sun 23/Jun/1974 Sweden 3 (Edström
2, Sandberg) Uruguay 0
Group 3 (4pm)
ITV Highlights
Keith Macklin
*With the score 0-0 at half-time,
Sweden had now played two and a half matches without seeing a goal scored
at either end, but a breakthrough finally came just 20 seconds into the
2nd half - Uruguay didn't touch the ball as the Swedes built up a neat
seven pass move that led to Edström's half-volleyed drive for 1-0,
then on 74 the Uruguay defence were tricked by a dummy-run over the ball
and Sandberg was then free to place a low shot wide of the keeper into
the far left corner for number 2, the third goal came as a result of a
swift break - a long ball across the box was poked back to Edström
who was left with an open goal to make it 3-0 on 78. The Uruguay manager
quit after the match saying "It is a sad day for South American football,
the Europeans are on top." John Motson commentated for the BBC.
Group 3 Final Table
1. Netherlands +5 5
2. Sweden
+3 4
3. Bulgaria -3
2
4. Uruguay
-5 1
Sun 23/Jun/1974 Poland 2 (Szarmach,
Deyna) Italy 1 (Capello)
Group 4 (4pm)
ITV LIVE
Hugh Johns
*ITV's LIVE Sunday match was
included on a three hour programme from 3pm-6pm (the first 50 minutes included
highlights from the previous day as well as a 'World Cup phone-in'). Poland
had already qualified, Italy needed a draw (which was all Poland needed
to take top spot), yet by half-time the 1970 World Cup runners-up were
facing a shock early exit. Italy began well but the Poles took the lead
on 38 when Szarmach ran onto a ball floated into the centre of the box
and headed into the top right corner of the net, then on 45 a brilliant
snap shot by Deyna flew past Zoff for 2-0. Anastasi hit the post early
in the 2nd half and it wasn't until the 86th minute that Fabio Capello
pulled one back, latching onto Anastasi's forward chip into the area before
prodding in for 1-2, but Poland finished up as the only nation to take
maximum points from the opening phase matches and Italy were out. After
the match, the Italian fans pelted the team bus with missiles and 3,500
angry fans were waiting for them at Milan airport to greet the team with
chants of "Buffoons, Buffoons", one fan was reported to have been so angry
that he threw his TV set out of the window, although - unlike 1966 - no
tomatoes were thrown at the team as they left the airport (via a back gate)
because, as one fan explained, "Tomatoes cost too much these days". Barry
Davies was assigned to cover the game for the BBC.
Sun 23/Jun/1974 Argentina 4
(Yazalde, Houseman, Ayala, Yazalde) Haiti 1 (Sanon)
Group 4 (4pm)
ITV Highlights
Gerry Harrison
*Both channels included footage
from this game on their Sunday night highlights programmes, BBC1 were first
on air with the football at 9:55-10:40pm, ITV's show went out at 11:15pm-12:15am.
Haiti began well but Argentina grabbed the first goal through Yazalde who
hammered in from a re-bound off the keeper on 15, three minutes later Houseman
beat a limping right-back to score the 2nd on 18. Argentina must have been
buoyed by news of Italy struggling at HT and Ayala made it 3-0 on 55, but
a fine strike by Sanon on 63 pulled it back to 1-3, four minutes later
Yazalde sealed the win for Argentina and when Italy's defeat was confirmed,
the South American's had earned an unexpected passage into the 2nd phase.
Alan Weeks called the match for the BBC.
Group 4 Final Table
1. Poland
+9 6
2. Argentina +2 3
3. Italy
+1 3
4. Haiti
-12 0
Mon 24/Jun/1974 "World Cup '74"
*No fixtures today but most ITV regions had two programmes,
the first at 11am-12noon, the 2nd at 5:20-5:50pm (HTV and Southern opting
out of the tea-time show, STV as ever - showing it around an hour later).
BBC1 now had to squeeze their coverage inbetween Wimbledon tennis action,
"Wimbledon 74 & World Cup Report" was billed for 6:15-7:20pm.
Tue 25/Jun/1974 "World Cup '74"
*Another day off for the players, ITV had a morning
programme of highlights at 10:25-12noon plus a tea-time preview for most
regions at 5:20-5:50pm, BBC1's preview was again mixed in with the tennis
at 6:15-7:15pm.
Second Round
Game 4
Wed
26/Jun/1974 West Germany 2 (Breitner, Müller) Yugoslavia
0
Group B (4pm)
ITV LIVE
Gerald Sinstadt & Alf Ramsey
*All four opening Second Round
group games were played on the same day, only one of which kicked-off in
the afternoon and ITV covered it LIVE from 3:40-6pm. This was a very much
improved performance from West Germany following a pre-match verbal attack
by captain Franz Beckanbauer, accusing his team-mates of not being good
enough or not trying enough. West Germany had all the chances in the game
as Yugoslavia offered very little, there was a bizarre moment on 35 when
West Germany's Wolfgang Overath (already booked) continued to protest long
after a free-kick had already been given his way, the referee became so
fed up that he stamped his foot and decided to give the free-kick to Yugoslavia
instead! The hosts opened the scoring on 39, a patient build-up found Paul
Breitner in a centre-left position and he cut inside before unleashing
a super shot for a 1:0 HT lead. Gerd Müller secured the points for
West Germany on 77 having seemingly missed the chance when he slid to meet
a byline pull-back from Hoeneß, the ball was trickling wide with
Müller lying on the ground, yet he still had time to stretch out a
leg and scoop it home for 2:0. Müller had the ball in the net again
before full-time but this effort was disallowed. John Motson commentated
for BBC highlights shown later that night.
Wed
26/Jun/1974 Netherlands 4 (Cruijff 2, Krol, Rep) Argentina
0
Group A (7:30pm)
ITV LIVE
Hugh Johns & Alf Ramsey
*ITV's 2nd LIVE match coverage was broadcast at 7:00-9:30pm
(with Alf Ramsey co-commentating on both games). A breathtakingly brilliant
performance by the Dutch saw them take the lead in the 11th minute when
a delicate chip into the box put Johan Cruijff clear to round the keeper
and pass into the empty net from a wide angle. With Argentina's goalkeeper
Carnevali apparently fond of going walkies, the Oranje had three notable
efforts (including one cleared off the line and another ruled out for offside)
before Rudi Krol shot through a crowd of players for 2-0 following a corner
on 25. With torrential rain falling in the 2nd half (see capture), Cruijff
crossed from the left for Johnny Rep on the right to beat the keeper with
a near-post header on 73, the 4th was a fabulous audacious volley from
Cruijff wide on the left after a one-two attack in the box was saved and
re-bounded into the path of the scorer. Barry Davies commentated for highlights
on BBC1.
Wed 26/Jun/1974 Brazil 1 (Rivelino) East Germany 0
Group A (7:30pm)
ITV Highlights
Gerry Harrison
*This was BBC1's sole LIVE match today with coverage
from 6:15-9:30pm, David Coleman commentated on a very disappointing match
and during the half-time break over on ITV Brian Moore - with apparent
relish in his voice - told viewers watching the Netherlands that the Brazil
v East Germany match was "by all accounts colourless". The only moment
of brilliance from a leaden Brazil was the 2nd half goal scored by Rivelino
on 61 direct from a free-kick which appeared to cut through the wall like
a knife through melted butter, but the replay revealed that a Brazilian
player standing in the wall dived to the floor as the kick was taken and
with pin-point accuracy Rivalino's strike whistled through the gap and
left the keeper watching as a mere spectator. It was only after going behind
that East Germany came into the contest, clearing the crossbar from 10
yards out with their best chance to avoid their first defeat in 17 matches.
Wed 26/Jun/1974 Poland 1 (Lato) Sweden 0
Group B (7:30pm)
ITV Highlights
Keith Macklin
*ITV included highlights of this match on their 11:00-midnight
programme. Despite the presence of hosts West Germany in Group B, Poland
were now being tipped by many to meet the Netherlands in the final. The
winning goal in their opening Phase Two match came on 44 as a result of
a high looping ball across the goal area which was headed back from the
far byline into the path of Lato to head in for 1-0. Sweden dominated the
first 30 minutes of the 2nd half and then won a harsh penalty on 64 when
Polish defender Gorgon appeared to have cleanly robbed Torstensson, but
Tomaszewski pushed away Tapper's spot-kick with his finger-tips. Alan Weeks
commentated for BBC1 who had a highlights programme at the earlier time
of 10:25-11pm.
Thu 27/Jun/1974 "World Cup '74"
*Highlights of yesterday's matches were featured on
ITV's morning programme at 10:25-12noon and a tea-time show for most regions
at 5:20-5:50pm. BBC1 refelcted on the competition during "Wimbledon 1974
And World Cup Report" at 6:15-7:40pm.
Fri 28/Jun/1974 "World Cup '74"
*Two programmes for ITV viewers today, the first at
10:25-12noon, the 2nd (with the usual exceptions) at 5:20-5:50pm. BBC included
World cup news in another joint Tennis & Football show at 6:15-7:35pm.
Sat 29/Jun/1974 "World Cup On The Ball"
*Surprisingly, the organisers saw fit to play all
this weekend's matches on Sunday (with 3 of the 4 games kicking off in
the afternoon). ITV's Saturday "World Of Sport" included a "World Cup On
The Ball" from 3:20-3:40pm whilst BBC1's "Grandstand" only had a 10 minute
"World Cup Report" from 12:35pm. One Sunday newspaper noted that commentators
were using "Situation" as their new vogue word, ie a "Free-kick" was no
longer just a free-kick, it was now a "Free-kick situation".
Game 5
Sun 30/Jun/1974 Netherlands
2 (Neeskens, Rensenbrink) East Germany 0
Group A (4pm)
ITV LIVE
Hugh Johns & Alf Ramsey
*ITV's LIVE broadcast began at 3pm (including a World
Cup phone-in) and ran until 6:05pm. East Germany's tactics of placing 9
men behind the ball & man-to-man marking failed to contain the Dutch
who took an early lead from a corner, the first finishing effort was cleared
off the line but the ball eventually fell to Neeskens who low-volleyed
home for 1-0 on 9 minutes. The 2nd goal came on 59 with Rensenbrink shooting
wide of the keeper from the edge of the box. The BBC commentator for highlights
later in the day was John Motson.
Sun
30/Jun/1974 Poland 2 (Deyna(pen), Lato) Yugoslavia 1
(Karasi)
Group B (4pm)
ITV Highlights
Gerry Harrison
*Underlining Poland's impact on the World Cup, BBC1
opted to show this match live rather than Brazil v Argentina, coverage
ran from 3:45-6:05pm with David Coleman commentating. Poland took the lead
with a penalty on 27 given for an off the ball incident which occurred
as Yugoslavia were in the process of clearing the ball after a free-kick
had rebounded off their defensive wall, the TV camera just caught sight
of Karasi clearly kicking out at Szarmach
in the area (see pic), but it was lucky for Poland that the hawk-eye referee
spotted it as the crowd were following the ball and were clearly surprised
by the decision - from which Deyna's tame spot-kick managed to bulge the
net for 1-0. Gadocha then almost scored the goal of the tournament, running
past three Slav defenders on the left before beating the keeper, but his
finish from a wide angle hit the side-netting and Gadocha ended up crashing
into the photographers behind the goal. Villain turned hero Karasi equalised
for Yugoslavia on 43 by turning nicely onto a ball into the box before
side stepping the keeper and finishing into the empty net. The 2nd half
was greeted by the now familiar sight of torrential rain which appeared
to knock Poland out of their stride, but Lato netted the winner on 63 with
a flick-header from a corner.
Sun 30/Jun/1974 Brazil 2 (Rivelino, Jairzinho) Argentina
1 (Brindisi)
Group A (4pm)
ITV Highlights
Keith Macklin
*A much improved performance from Brazil (playing
in blue) who took the lead through Rivelino's low swerving drive from the
edge of the box on 32, Argentina soon equalised on 35 with a direct free-kick
by Brindisi which looped over the keeper and dropped in off the underside
of the cross-bar, Jairzinho netted what turned out to be the winning goal
just after HT on 48, heading in Ze Maria's cross from the right. Alan Weeks
commentated for BBC highlights.
Sun 30/Jun/1974 West Germany
4 (Overath, Bonhof, Grabowski, Hoeneß(pen)) Sweden 2 (Edström,
Sandberg)
Group B (7:30pm)
ITV Highlights
Gerald Sinstadt
*BBC showed this match LIVE
with Barry Davies commentating in a programme scheduled for 7:25-9:20pm.
The hosts pushed hard for the opener but it was Sweden who scored first
with a terrific goal on 25 - Edström volleying in from the left edge
of the box after the Germans had headed away a long free-kick into the
area. Overath netted a deserved equaliser on 51 by striking a loose ball
through
a crowded area, Bonhof made it 2-1 just 90 seconds later with a shot that
ricocheted off both posts before rolling over the line, the 2nd half goals
continued to come as fast as the rain as Sandberg levelled up at 2-2 another
minute later as the German defence failed to cut out a ball into the box
and Sandberg was left to drive in a low shot into the far corner. On 77
Müller lost possession near the penalty spot but the ball found its
way to substitute Grabowski to shoot home for 3-2, finally Müller
was tripped just inside the area on 89 and Hoeneß made it 4-2 by
slotting home the spot-kick. ITV had a Sunday night 11:15pm-12:15am highlights
programme covering all four matches and including a report from Sir Alf
Ramsey (who incidentally was chaperoned in West Germany by Martin Tyler
- still yet to break into an ITV commentating role), BBC1 had a very late
show with Jimmy Hill at 12:05-12:45am.
Mon 01/Jul/1974 "World Cup '74"
*Two ITV programmes to reflect
on Game 5 weekend, the first at 10:25-12noon, the 2nd at 5:20-5:50pm (except
HTV & Southern who opted out and STV who continued to show the tea-time
shows an hour or so later). BBC1 were covering week two of the Wimbledon
Tennis championships and therefore included a World Cup report along with
Tennis at 6:15-7:20pm.
Tue 02/Jul/1974
*Although Phase Two was a group
round, the results and fixtures worked out to effectively create a pair
of Semi-finals - The Netherlands v Brazil and West Germany v Poland . The
Netherlands and West Germany did however have the advantage of a favourable
goal difference and could therefore afford a draw to go through. ITV, as
usual, had a lengthy morning programme at 10:25-12noon and then a preview
of the decisive Phase Two matches for most regions at 5:20-5:50pm .
Game 6
Wed
03/Jul/1974 West Germany 1 (Müller) Poland 0
Group B (4:30pm)
ITV LIVE
Gerry Harrison
*The winners of Group B would
be decided first with the hosts' match kicking off in the afternoon - although
it was delayed from its' original KO time of 4pm because of a waterlogged
pitch. West German TV ended up showing live pictures of groundsmen attempting
to remove the water with 'squeegees' accompanied by testcard music and
a large caption announcing that the game would now start at 4:30pm, they
even resorted to using 'Dancing Groundsmen' video tape effects!. Unlike
BBC1, ITV showed BOTH of today's key matches LIVE, coverage began at 3:50pm
and probably overran until 6:30pm. Poland adapted best to the appalling
conditions in an attack minded first half and West German goalkeeper Sepp
Maier had to be in top form to keep them out, including a save from Lato
who was through in a one on one. The hosts came more into the match in
the 2nd half and won a penalty on 53 when Zmuda fouled Hölzenbein,
but Hoeneß saw his spot kick saved by Tomaszewski. Poland had to
score to go through to the final, but Gerd Müller netted the only
goal of the game on 76 after a Polish defensive tackle only managed to
push the ball into Müller's path and allowing him time to pick his
spot for 1-0. It was later claimed that at HT the water was mainly cleared
from the Polish goal area to give the Germans an attacking advantage. Bizarrely,
during the first half - around the 15/20 minute mark - the referee blew
the whistle during play and all 22 players instantly stood still to observe
a minute's silence for President Peron of Argentina, who had died a few
days earlier. BBC1 first showed highlights of the match at around 6:50pm
during their evening sports broadcast with Barry Davies commentating.
Wed 03/Jul/1974 Sweden 2 (Edström,
Torstensson) Yugoslavia 1 (Šurjak)
Group B (7:30pm)
ITV Highlights
Gerald Sinstadt
*Neither side could make the
3rd place play off, let alone the final, and so they were merely playing
for pride. Šurjak put the Slavs ahead on 27 scoring from close range at
the end of a cross by Djazic from the left, but Edström equalised
three minutes later and Torstensson scored a late winner for the Swedes
on 85. John Motson commentated for BBC highlights.
Group B Final Table
1. West Germany +5 6
2. Poland
+1 4
3. Sweden
-2 2
4. Yugoslavia -4 0
Wed
03/Jul/1974 Netherlands 2 (Neeskens, Cruijff) Brazil
0
Group A (7:30pm)
ITV LIVE
Hugh Johns
*Coverage of the 2nd psuedo
'semi-final' was scheduled to start on ITV at 7pm (though it may have been
delayed), BBC1 also showed the match live (with David Coleman commentating)
and both channels' coverage was due to end at 9:30pm. The Dutch wore white
with orange socks, Brazil changed to blue. Both sides had good chances
in an ill-tempered match with the Brazilians comitting the majority of
the fouls - If they hadn't already cast a dark shadow over their marvellous
displays in Mexico, they certainly did so in this game; Cruijff was rugby
tackled by Ze Maria, Neeskens was elbowed in the face in an off the ball
incident, Jansen was floored by a dangerous blatant body check and Luis
Pereira was sent off on 84 for hacking down Neeskens having already been
booked earlier in the match for starting an ugly scuffle, Pereira also
foolishly remonstrated with members of the crowd as he left the field.
The Dutch were presented with the best scoring opportunity of the 1st half
but a low finishing effort was brilliantly saved, Brazil very nearly took
the lead through an own goal as a last ditch tackle sent the ball bobbling
millimetres wide of the post (this whilst Neeskens lay flat out on the
turf following the elbowing incident). Early in the 2nd half, on 50 minutes,
the Netherlands won a free-kick in their own half, which they took quickly
and built up a move on the right before the ball was centred by Cruijff
for Neeskens who stretched to get in a shot that looped over the keeper
and in for 1-0, 15 minutes later the Oranje sealed the victory - Good work
on the left led to a cross by Rensenbrink for Cruijff to volley home brilliantly
from close range on 65 (see capture). The Netherlands would now meet current
European champions West Germany in the final, Brazil had been beaten in
the World Cup for the first time (including qualifiers) since losing to
Portugal in 1966.
Wed 03/Jul/1974 Argentina 1
(Houseman) East Germany 1 (Streich)
Group A (7:30pm)
ITV Highlights
Keith Macklin
*Highlights of this meaningless
match were included on both channels late night programmes, BBC1 aired
theirs at 10:25-11:10pm, ITV at 11pm-midnight. In a scrappy game, Streich
headed East Germany ahead on 14, Houseman equalised on 21. Alan Weeks called
the match for the BBC.
Group A Final Table
1. Netherlands +8 6
2. Brazil
0 4
3. East Germany -3 1
4. Argentina -5 1
Thu 04/Jul/1974 "World Cup '74"
*A shorter 60 minute morning
round-up for ITV at 11am-12noon. Later today, Don Revie agreed to become
the new England manager at around 4:45pm in a meeting held in the Leeds
United boardroom, presumably ITV were able to announce this on their tea-time
programme shown by most regions at 5:20-5:50pm. BBC1 scheduled a World
Cup report during Wimbledon coverage at 6:15-7:40pm, but the BBC were now
facing strike action which threatened to black out their coverage of the
final.
Fri 05/Jul/1974 "World Cup '74"
*ITV screened another morning
programme at 10:25am-12noon and most regions had a tea-time preview of
the final at 5:20-5:50pm. BBC1 were scheduled to include a World Cup report
during Wimbledon coverage at 6:15-7:30pm, but it may have been cancelled
as a result of strike action.
3rd/4th place play off
Sat 06/Jul/1974 Poland 1 (Lato)
Brazil 0
Munich, 4pm
ITV LIVE
Hugh Johns
*Both channels showed the Play
Off LIVE, ITV as part of "World of Sport" from 3:45, BBC1 scheduled it
for inclusion on "Grandstand" with David Coleman commentating along with
a World Cup Preview at 1:35-1:50pm, the match was due to follow the Wimbledon
men's singles final (which would not have overrun as Jimmy Connors
won easily in straight sets). BBC1 also scheduled "World Cup Final Preview
and Match of the Week" at 10:15-11:10pm, presumably - if not blacked out
by the strike - the programme included some footage of the Play Off too.
Brazil's best chance came in the 2nd half when Rivelino hit the post from
close range with the Polish defence seemingly expecting an offside decision,
Lato scored the winner on 77 following an incredible burst of pace which
saw him run from inside his own half into the Brazilian box before slotting
in his 7th goal of the tournament (Lato finished up as the competition's
top scorer). 3rd place was no more than Poland deserved and the team returned
home as heroes, but it was a very different story in Brazil where there
were reports of mock coffins being carried through the streets to signify
the burying of reputations and of efforts to vandalise the home of manager
Mario Zagalo.
The Final
Sun 07/Jul/1974 West Germany
2 (Breitner(pen), Müller) Netherlands 1 (Neeskens(pen))
Munich, 4pm
ITV LIVE
Hugh Johns & Alf Ramsey
*ITV were first on air from
2:50-6:30pm (including the closing ceremony), BBC1 coverage ran from 3:00-6:35pm
(commentator David Coleman with Don Revie). The kick-off was slightly delayed
after English referee Jack Taylor noticed that the corner flags were missing.
Within a minute of the game starting, Taylor bravely awarded a penalty
against the hosts, the Germans hadn't even touched the ball when Johan
Cruijff collected a pass in the centre circle and set off on a run past
Berti Vogts which took him into the box where he was brought crashing down
by a blatant leg-up from Hoeneß 53 seconds into the game, Neeskens
struck the spot kick straight down the middle as Maier dived forlornly
to his right, 1-0. Vogts was booked in the 3rd minute for two fouls in
15 seconds on Cruijff, but Vogts continued to man-mark the Dutch captain
and kept him quiet for the rest of the half. The Dutch toyed with the Germans
for 20 minutes without making any inroads, then on 23 Gerd Müller
clashed with Wim Rijsbergen and left the Dutch player apparently injured,
Müller was faintly pushed away from protesting to the referee by Wim
Van Hanegem but the German made the most of the contact by comically throwing
himself to the ground and succeeded in getting Van Hanegem booked, Two
minutes later, Jack Taylor had to point to the penalty spot again, this
time at the other end, West Germany had intercepted a byline pull back
in their own box and launched a counter attack, a nice pass found Bernd
Hölzenbein wide on the left and he set upon a skilful run into the
area and was up-ended by a late desperate lunge by Wim Jansen, Paul Breitner
took the spot-kick and placed it accurately into the bottom left corner
to equalise, 1-1. The Germans then had their best spell of the game, Vogts
got clear following a one-two and half-volleyed a fierce shot which was
acrobatically pushed away by Jan Jongbloed, the Netherlands might have
regained the lead on 38 in a two on one situation in which Cruijff ran
at a back peddling Beckenbauer before setting up Neeskens whose point blank
shot was well saved by Maier, but a 2nd German goal came on 43 - Bonhof
skipped away from a defender on the right wing and pulled back a hopeful
low centre, it was brought to a halt by Gerd Müller who, facing away
from goal, re-positioned himself with great balance over the dead ball
to get in an awkward snap shot from about 10 yards out that rolled wide
of Jongbloed and into the net for 2-1, it was Müller's 14th goal in
World Cup tournaments (beating Just Fontaine's record of 13) typically
celebrated with his impression of a grasshopper. Cruijff argued with the
referee as the players walked off the pitch at half-time and received a
yellow card before they reached the tunnel.
The Dutch were much improved in the 2nd half and focussed on attack, Breitner headed off the line as Sepp Maier mis-timed a punch from a corner and Maier then saved well from a diving Van Hanagem header at the end of a Dutch free-kick. West Germany still created chances and appeared to take a 3-1 lead - Grabowski centred from the right for Müller who turned and finished well from close range, but the goal was incorrectly ruled out - either for offside or handball, yet the replay clearly showed that Müller was well onside and had brought the ball under control with his thigh. The Dutch continued to press for the equaliser and came close when a long looping cross from the left was powerfully volleyed at goal by Neeskens, but Maier was able to get enough of his body behind it to block, the Netherlands came closer still when a cross behind the defence was met by the outstretched orange stockinged leg of Neeskens and the ball flashed inches wide with Maier beaten. Next, Cruijff robbed Grabowski and sent Rep away on the right, Rep decided to try his luck and shot just wide across the face of the goal. West Germany should have had a penalty when Hölzenbein was tripped by Jansen inside the box late in the game, but play was waved on and Neeskens had one last effort at goal which was just wide and the match ended 2-1.
Twenty years earlier, West Germany had come from behind to deny the great Hungary team in the 1954 World Cup final, now in 1974 they had done the same to the widely acclaimed Netherlands, yet although West Germany hadn't shone as brightly as the Dutch over the course of this tournament, they had been the best team in Europe over the last four years and their success was well deserved. Johan Cruijff said afterwards "I am disappointed with the performance - For 30 minutes in the 1st half we played like schoolchildren... I will never play in a World Cup again, by 1978 I will not only be too old, but I never want to be away from my family for so long.", West German manager Helmet Schoen said "If they had been the better team they - and not West Germany - would be World Champions. If anything, I think the Dutch suffered from over-confidence, I think they believed they were already champions before the game started." The result was particularly tough on Wim Van Hanegam who had lost close family members in the 2nd World War, he left the field in tears and was quoted as saying "They murdered my father, sister and two brothers. I am full of angst. I hate them". BBC strike action by production assistants, which threatened to pull their live coverage off the air, resulted in the loss of a BBC1 highlights programme scheduled for 10-11pm (Despite one newspaper reporting in advance that it would be pulled, the programme still appeared in the Sunday TV schedules and managerial staff kept the studio running, but their efforts were apparently 'blacked out'). ITV didn't have a highlights show scheduled, but may have decided to add one at the last minute.
Paul Breitner nets a penalty
to equalise (left), Gerd Müller celebrates making it 2-1 (middle)
and Franz Beckenbauer becomes
the first player to lift the new FIFA World Cup trophy.
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13.03.2022