World Cup 2006

The World Cup in Germany was held under a strong police scheme. The 16 national team bunkers became excessively protected prisons to avoid a terrorist attack, such as the one that had occurred two years before in Munich Olympic Games.

In the end, nothing happened and to the joy of Germans, the host country retained the title in a thrilling final match against Nethetrlands, the favorite to earn a victory in that tournament.

Nicknamed "The Mechanical Orange", Netherlands showed no mercy to their opponents. The world was surprised by the innovative tactics applied by coach Rinus Mitchels, where players had no fixed position, but both attacked and defended, at times simultaneously. From the initial stages, Netherlands was outstanding as the tournament’s best soccer style.

Western Germany was defeated 1-0 by Eastern Germany in one of the most polemic plays of that competition which is still questioned.

Western Germans decided their fate against another surprise: Poland of Lato, the tournament’s goal scorer, with 7 goals. Müller, who would become a hero, led Germany to the final with a 1-0 victory over Poland.

The final match was played by Netherlands against the host team. In the first minute of play, Neeskens scored a penalty pick for Netherlands. The match could be turned round by the Germans, with goals scored by Breitner and Müller, to finally obtain the title.