The German national football team is among the most successful in the history of the FIFA World Cup. Only Brazil have played in more finals and won more titles. The Germans first claimed the trophy in 1954, causing shock waves when they defeated the clear favourites Hungary 3-2 in the final.

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Twenty years later Germany won their second title, this time on home soil. In the final in Munich they came from behind to beat Holland 2-1. A key member of the 1974 team was Franz Beckenbauer, manager of the German team that 16 years later claimed a third World title.

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In the Italy 1990 final, Germany beat Argentina 1-0 with a late penalty. The German team has

never lost an away game in the qualifiers to date.