Gerd Muller: The Under-Appreciated Hero of Germany
Whenever we recall footballers from the 1970s, we are quick to think of great players such as Pele, Johan Cruyff, Beckenbauer, Garrincha, Jairzinho … you get the idea. But one that is 3rd best of the 1970s is Gerd Muller, who is not spoken of much when it comes to the greatest forwards of all time.
On the 14th of December, I had viewed the 3 dream teams that France Football had published. These are the 3 greatest teams in a 3–4–3 formation from 1920 to 2020. Most of the 33 players included were worthy of a place in one of the 3 teams; a few I don’t agree on whether they were worthy. However, one name that I was strongly disappointed to not see was “Der Bomber”, who is Gerd Muller.
His stats speak for himself. Throughout his professional career, he has scored 586 goals in 640 games for club and country. That equates to a prolific 0.92 goal per game ratio throughout his whole career. Throughout his whole career, he would score goals in abundance every season, also revealing his consistency. He also held the record for scoring the most goals in the annual year in 1972. That year he had scored a whopping 85 goals. Unfortunately, the record was beaten by Lionel Messi in 2012 with 91 goals. Nonetheless, it took 40 years for this record to be broken, which is a great number of years.
One thing that not many recall when talking about Gerd Muller is how he heavily influenced one of them, if not the greatest, upsets in World Cup history.
Everyone knows the Dutch national football team in the 1970s, known for their “Total Football”. This team was the most versatile international team of all time, with every single outfield player being able to play in any outfield position. The team consisted of exceptional players such as Cruyff, Neeskens, Johnny Rep, and van Hanegem. Collectively, this team was the best at the time as they flowed like an ocean when it came to football due to how much chemistry there was between all the players. This was mainly due to the fact most players played for Ajax.
Without a doubt, they were the favorites to win this 1974 World Cup since Brasil didn’t have the mighty Pele and the Dutch, in general, were such an innovative team. Second, to be favorites for the majority was Germany; West Germany at the time.
On their race towards the final, the Dutch were unbeaten the whole run, winning 5 games and drawing 1. Whereas West Germany had won 5 and lost 1; losing to their close rivals East Germany.
Both teams played amazingly coming up to the final, but most people were still favoring the unbeaten Dutch. The final ironically taking place in Munich, West Germany. Both teams lined up in an infamous 4–3–3 formation; different variations, however. The Dutch arguably having the best attacker at the time and the best 3-man midfield, with Neeskens, van Hanegem, and Jansen. Whereas West Germany contained the best defense at the time, including Beckenbauer and Breitner, and the on-fire attacker Gerd Muller.
Within the first minute, Cruyff surges past Schwarzenbeck and strives into the box, but then being tackled aggressively by Bonhof, awarding the Dutch an early penalty. Neeskeens smashes the ball into the right side of the goal; Maier going to the left. However, the Dutch return the favor by also conceding a penalty by fouling Holzenbein in the box; who was on a great run. Breitner, an attacking left-back who is very comfortable with penalties, slots the ball comfortably in the left corner.
After the 2 penalties, the game seemed very even, neither team breaking even. Both teams producing amazing plays but also amazing saves by the goalkeepers. Shots were being produced every minute from that point, it seemed as if it was to continue. Players were clearly getting frustrated as more fouls were being conceded.
Suddenly, Grabowski taps the ball past a Dutch defender bringing it into the box; Muller is there to support him. Grabowski then crosses the ball into the box but Muller runs too fast that the ball falls behind him. However, that didn’t stop him from getting the ball. As soon as he sees it falling behind him, he rapidly turns and shoots it with his right foot slotting it right past the stunned Jongbloed. Even though the shooting stance was undeniably uncomfortable and difficult to score from, Gerd Muller made it look easy. This then bought the half to an end.
In the second half, both team's shots were either closely saved or close to going. As time was ticking, the intensity increased. No teams were successful in scoring by the end of the half. Germany had won a World Cup that seemed destined for another.
One player that guided his team to victory, being vital throughout the competition and scoring a very unlikely winner in the final was Gerd Muller, giving West Germany their 2nd World Cup; their first in 1954. And thus…
Germans should be more appreciative of Gerd Muller
THE END.
Thanks for reading this article, it is my first and I hope to progress and do more in the future. I am genuinely you have taken time out of your day to read my article. Once again, thank you.
By, Abdirahman Ahmed
