Every FIFA World Cup Winner Ranked From Worst To Best

What defines this West Germany side as a true great is who they defeated to be crowned World Champions.

Rinus Michel’s Total Football playing Dutch side is that of footballing folklore. It is that on which books are written and ideologies are formed. Yet, despite the excellence of Cruyff and co. they would be felled by an effective and powerful West German side.

The West German squad were perennial nearly men, with five players in the squad also winning bronze and silver medals at World Cup tournaments. However, the side that would conquer Total Football went a goal down in the final without even touching the ball.

But in a game that broke Dutch hearts and proved the fallibility of the Total Football philosophy, West Germany fought back to secure a 2-1 win.

A spine of Beckenbauer, Hoeneß and Gerd Müller would rival any side.