RFA-England, June 29, 1982, Madrid: In a tense, locked-down match with no surprises, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge unleashed a sudden and powerful shot from 25 meters out. The suddenness, precision, and force of this strike, which sent the ball onto Peter Shilton’s crossbar, was quintessential ‘classic Germany.’ Not their best chances, not perfect domination, but that constant threat that compels the opponent to caution. The match ended 0-0, eliminating England and setting Germany on its path to Seville.
The two-time Ballon d’Or winner (1980 and 1981) was feared. Even when, barely recovered from injury, he came on during extra time (97th minute). France was already leading (2-1), and Rummenigge would see his team concede the (3-1) goal almost immediately.
It was then that I saw (saw and experienced) the realization of this long-standing maxim: ‘We love the Germans less when they win than when they draw upon the depths of their soul to mount a comeback (even if it leads to defeat).’ With the last three consecutive premature World Cup eliminations, it is this DNA that seems to have degenerated.
Where are they, those from yesterday, who stayed the course, set the tone, and took responsibility: Lothar Matthäus (the decisive free-kick, 1-0, against Morocco, 1986); Andreas Brehme (the opening goal, 1-0, against France, 1986); Michael Ballack (the goal of the ill-fated hero, 1-0, against South Korea, 2002); Philip Lahm (the breakthrough goal, 1-0, against Costa Rica, 2006); Toni Kroos (the 1-1 equalizer in extremis against Sweden, 2018); or even Mats Hummels (the header of the final chance against South Korea, 2018).
Among goalkeepers, Sepp Maier, Harald Schumacher, and Oliver Kahn would find an illustrious successor in Manuel Neuer. A striking contrast exists with the attacking line. After Gerd Müller, Germany knew how to find a K.-H. Rummenigge. Then came Rudi Völler or Jürgen Klinsmann, perhaps not quite as transcendent but still dangerous enough to keep opposing defenders on their toes. The current ‘Mannschaft’ lineup, with only a single ‘false’ striker, merely reflects the reality of a Bundesliga dominated by foreign strikers: Robert Lewandowski of Poland yesterday, Harry Kane of England today.
For a long time, until exactly 2014, the all-time World Cup top-scorer ranking was dominated by Gerd Müller (14 goals in two editions, 1970 and 1974). This total was surpassed by another German, Miroslav Klose, after an anthology match against Brazil. Since then, no fellow countryman seems capable of competing, while Klose’s 16 goals are already a thing of the past.
Yesterday, Germany knew how to win (or not lose) even when playing poorly because they were known to be sharp. Today, they amuse the crowd with an absurdly sterile ball possession (75-80%). Thousands of lateral, waiting passes from nonchalant dancers have replaced the lethal strikes of the Golden Boot winners.
Nasolo-Valiavo Andriamihaja
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-02 07:13:23 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/ladn-perdu.html