West Germany 3-2 England (World cup 1970 – quarter finals)
The West Germans were intent on revenge against an England team capable of defending the world cup. England was without Gordon Banks who had been taken ill hours before the football match. Peter Bonetti replaced Banks and some say that this was the deciding factor of the game. England’s football during the opening matches was far from impressive, however Alf Ramsey’s team started the match well, playing some great football. Bobby Charlton and Martin Peters were playing much deeper football and this neutralized West Germany’s wingers. Alan Mullery deservedly gave England the lead with a rasping strike from eight yards out, which was a brilliant ending to a move that started in the England half of the football pitch. Martin Peters scored a second for England five minutes into the second period.  It all came from a Keith Newton cross and England seemed to be in complete control. Just before the hour mark, Franz Beckenbauer scored with a shot which Bonneti completely misjudged and England started to look vulnerable. To the surprise of the English fans, Alf Ramsey took off Bobby Charlton and Martin Peter’s. He brought on Colin Bell and Norman Hunter, in hoping to save the men for the potential semi-final. However with moments remaining Uwe Seeler, beat the English offside trap and headed a curling ball which spun over the head of Bonetti into the back of the net. The match went into extra time, and Hurst had a goal which seemed to be fine, disallowed in the opening minutes of the extra time period. The West Germans began to play some outstanding football and were rewarded with the winner as Bonetti was beaten again whilst out of position.

 

England 1-1 Poland (October 1973 – World cup qualifier)
England dominated a world cup qualification match against Poland at Wembley; however their failure to do better than a 1-1 draw against Poland condemned them to World cup oblivion. The Polish goalkeeper, Jan Thomaszewski was the hero of the night. The Polish keeper was simply unbeatable in the match; he used every part of his body to thwart England’s attacks of the Polish goal. England hit every part of the woodwork through out the match and the ability of the Polish defender to clear the balls off the line was amazing. Poland took the lead against the run of play, in the 57th minute Domarski put Poland in front. On the 63rd minute, Allan Clarke levelled the proceeding deservedly as he converted a penalty kick. England continued to dominate in search of a winner. With five minutes left on the clock, Kevin Keegan came on and made an instant impact, nearly scoring for England. Kevin Hector nearly missed a header which really should have buried the match with a minute remaining. For the first time, England had failed to qualify for the world cup finals.