The 1982 World Cup Final held at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid saw Italy claim their third title over a jaded West Germany. A 90,000 attendance saw the climax of one of the best World Cup tournaments ever played.

Both Itlay and West Germany had been involved in the tournaments memorable games. A Paolo Rossi Hat trick had given the Azzuri a 3-2 win over a Brazil team widely regarded as the best to never win a World Cup.

It was Rossi who would open the scoring in the final, however not before a goal less first half that saw Italian defender Antonio Cabrini fire a penalty wide of goal.

Rossi’s goal came on the 57th Minute as he headed home a bouncing ball from a Claudio Gentile cross. It was the striker’s sixth goal of the World Cup which gave him the Golden Boot as the tournament’s leading marksman and completed a personal redemption story. Rossi had returned to football just in time for the tournament after a two year ban for involvement in a match fixing scandal.

The goal changed the shape of the game dramatically as the Germans were forced to push out for an equaliser. The task was made harder as they had played a draining semi final against the multi talented French just three days earlier. The game had been a classic ending 3-3 with four of the goals coming in extra time.

Harald Schumacher became a household name after his infamous block on Patrick Battiston which saw the French defender streched off unconcious and missing two teeth. Predictably the Germans triumphed 5-4 on penalities but the effects of a gruelling semi final told in the final.

As they pushed forward looking for an equaliser against the ‘best-in-the-world’, defence huge gaps were left for the Italians to counter attack. The Azzuri took their chances first on 69 minutes through a sweetly struck half volley from Marco Tardelli.

The goal also gave one of the most iconic images in World Cup history as Tardelli ran across the field arms pumping and head shaking furiously, shouting “GOAL.” It was a cross between a mad man and a disbelieving toddler, yet it was a graphic reminder of the passion that can be brought out in grown men on the biggest stage.

The game was wraped up on the 81st minute as Alessandro Atobelli who had replaced injured striker Francesco Graziani on 7 minutes made it 3-0 after a trade mark run by winger Bruno Conti. The goal also saw Italian president Sandro Pertini wag his finger at the cameras in a playful ‘not going to catch us now’ gesture.

West Germany put a small doubt in the back of Italian minds as Paul Breitner pulled a goal back on 83 minutes. It was too little too late for the Germans as Italy claimed there first World cup title since 1938 an era in which they adorned Facist black instead of Azzuri blue. The win also drew Italy level with Brazil for the record of most titles.

The triumph saw 40 year old Dino Zoff become the oldest player to win a World Cup as the legenadary goalkeeper skippered his country to victory. An eighteen year old Giuseppe Bergomi was also in the Italian lineup.

Few could deny Italy their triumph as they beat three previous World Champions (Argentina, Brazil, West Germany) in claiming the title. It was a lesson in how to play tournamnent football as having failed to win their opening three games the boys in blue came to party when it mattered.

Watch Italy vs West Germany Final Highlights

By Faisal Hanif