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Today in History: West Germany defeats Netherlands to win World Cup

7/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On 7 July 1974, West Germany defeated the Netherlands 2–1 in the FIFA World Cup final at Munich’s Olympiastadion. Johan Neeskens opened scoring with a penalty, Paul Breitner equalised via a penalty, and Gerd Müller netted the decisive goal before halftime, securing West Germany’s second world title.

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Story summary

On 7 July 1974, West Germany defeated the Netherlands 2–1 in the FIFA World Cup final at Munich’s Olympiastadion. Johan Neeskens opened scoring with a penalty, Paul Breitner equalised via a penalty, and Gerd Müller netted the decisive goal before halftime, securing West Germany’s second world title.