Franz Beckenbauer – West Germany
Many great players were to make their presence known in the early 70’s. Franz Beckenbauer, who had already starred in the 1966 World Cup Final for West Germany, had fully established himself as a fantastic player. Nicknamed “the Kaiser”, this highly gifted footballer was equally at home marshalling a defense or commanding an attack. Football formations had continued to evolve over the years, yet the scope for finding new methods was still there. His magnificent movements on and off the ball, when he starred in his position just behind his midfield, resulted in that he had time to deliver forward the most telling pass, short or long, it mattered little to Beckenbauer, for he could do them both. His timing was such that he was able to run forward to adding telling pressure to a West German attack, however could scamper back so quickly that his absence was rarely noticed. He offered West Germany both security and flair, and was highly responsible for West German successes in international level.

Gerd Müller- West Germany

Gerd Müller, who had been the leading scorer in the 1970 world cup finals, had if anything developed into an even more complete striker. Müller’s talent was that of a scavenger, any defensive lapse, or loose ball, in or near the penalty area would witness the diminutive striker, who had fantastic reflexes and a talent for expecting opposing howlers, pounce; it would almost invariably result in a goal. Müller had great upper body strength and amazing jumping ability; he was tough to dispossess and a constant menace when near the oppositions goal. Brave and fearless, by 1974 he had the reputation as the most deadly striker round the globe.

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge – West Germany
Rummenigge was one of the finest football players of the 1980’s, but despite his fame and fortune luck deserted him on two occasions during his career. In both the 1982 and 1986 world cups he skippered West Germany into the final. His strengths were his pace and mental attitude to football both on and off the pitch. Rummenigge forced his way into the national team in 1976 making his debut against Wales. He was included in the 1978 world cup squad, and scored two goals in the first round thumping of Mexico. Rummenigge was always treated seriously by defenders. He won the European championships with Germany in 1980 and during the 1982 world cup; he was suffering from a leg injury. He participated in all their matches in the 1982 finals excluding the semi- finals. Rummenigge, although not fully fit, skippered the West German’s out for the world cup final against Argentina. After the 1986 finals he retired from International football. Rummenigge was honoured as the European footballer of the year in 1980 and 1981.