Gerd Muller was the ULTIMATE goal machine, and his extra-time winner against England at Mexico 1970 was the goal that dethroned the defending champions! England were leading 2-1 and cruising, but Germany fought back to force extra time. Then Muller, with his back to goal, received the ball in the area, swiveled, and hit a volley on the turn that flew past Peter Bonetti. BOOM! The champions were OUT, and Der Bomber had struck again!
Country: West Germany Opponent: England Year: 1970 Round: Quarter-final Score: West Germany 3-2 England (AET) Minute: 108'
The Moment
- Muller received the ball with his back to goal, turned, and struck a volley on the half-turn
- The goal came in extra time after England had blown a 2-0 lead in normal time
- It eliminated the defending World Cup champions and ended England's reign as world champions
- Muller scored 10 goals in the 1970 World Cup, winning the Golden Boot
- His predatory instinct and ability to score in tight spaces made him the greatest penalty-box striker ever
The Verdict
Muller's goal was pure predatory instinct at its absolute finest. No time to think, no time to control — just turn and shoot before anyone could react. That was his genius: he scored goals that other players could not even attempt to imagine. Ten goals in a single World Cup, and this extraordinary swivel-and-volley against England was the pick of the entire bunch!
Tomorrow: #9 — Stay tuned for the next legendary goal!
