West Germany defeated Argentina 1–0 in a rematch of the 1986 final, becoming the first UEFA side to beat a CONMEBOL side in a World Cup final.
Key Facts
- Final score
- West Germany 1–0 Argentina
- Winning goal
- Andreas Brehme penalty kick
- Venue
- Stadio Olimpico, Rome
- Consecutive finals (W. Germany)
- 3 (1982, 1986, 1990)
- Argentina goals scored
- 0 (first team to fail to score in a final)
- UEFA vs CONMEBOL finals record
- First UEFA win in 6 attempts
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
West Germany and Argentina had each advanced through the 1990 FIFA World Cup tournament bracket, setting up a rematch of the 1986 final, which Argentina had won. Both nations were among the tournament's strongest sides, with West Germany seeking revenge after losing four years prior.
On 8 July 1990 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, West Germany faced Argentina in the World Cup final. A late penalty kick converted by Andreas Brehme provided the match's only goal, giving West Germany a 1–0 victory in a defensive, low-scoring contest.
West Germany claimed their third World Cup title and became the first UEFA confederation team to defeat a CONMEBOL side in a final. Argentina became the first team to fail to score in a final and the first defending champion to lose one. The match was also West Germany's last, as German reunification later in 1990 produced a unified German national team.
Result
at Stadio Olimpico, Rome, Italy