World Cup Finals: West Germany vs. Argentina 1990

It was West Germany’s chance to avenge their loss four years earlier. In Stadio Olimpico in Rome, Italy, West Germany once again faced Argentina in the World Cup finals. The latter won their previous 1986 final in Mexico with final score 3-2. Germany went into the finals after beating England. Argentina won a spot in the finals after their victory against host country Italy.

The final match produced several World Cup firsts. Pedro Monzon, Argentina’s defender, became the first player to be sent off on a foul in the 65th minute of the game. Argentina claims that Klinsmann was exaggerating to the foul, causing the red card for Argentina. La Albiceleste received their second red card for Gustavo Dezotti with four minutes remaining in the game. Teammate Diego Maradona received a yellow card for pushing a linesman to the ground in protest of Dezotti’s discharge. Argentina became the first team to play scoreless in a World Cup final match. The only goal in the game was made by Andreas Brehme’s penalty kick in the 85th minute.

Aside from firsts, the finals were also a time of lasts. This was the last time a World Cup finals matches were awarded two points for a win in the group stage. This was the last World Cup finals in which West Germany participated. After 1994, the nation became simply Germany.