Matt Oldfield - Klinsmann

Stadio Olimpico, Italy 8 July 1990

All football fans dream of playing in the World Cup final, especially young football fans. As he walked out onto the pitch in Rome, Jrgen was about to make his childhood dream come true. Yes, he was lucky, but he had also worked very hard for this opportunity.

Seven years earlier, Jrgen had been playing for Stuttgarter Kickers down in West Germanys second division. Over time, with goals and grit, he had raised his game higher and higher until he reached this, footballs greatest event, the World Cup final.

It doesnt get any better than this! Jrgen thought to himself as he looked up at the 70,000 fans and listened to their chants and songs.

Deutschland! Deutschland! Deutschland!

Jrgen didnt feel nervous just excited. Not only was he playing for West Germany, but he was also now his countrys main striker. He was their big tournament hero, expected to bring home their third World Cup trophy.

So far, Jrgen wasnt letting them down. After a great start at Euro 88, he was now one of the biggest stars at the 1990 World Cup. He had that special strikers instinct:

Touch, BANG, GOOOOAAAALLLL!

Jrgen had already scored against Yugoslavia, United Arab Emirates and the Netherlands in the World Cup, but his game wasnt all about goals. He was everything that the fans were looking for focused and fair, talented and tireless. West Germany knew that they could count on their Mr Consistent. When it came to chasing goals, Jrgen never stopped.

Next time I get to a final, Im going to win it! he had promised himself after missing out on the 1989 UEFA Cup with Stuttgart. It wasnt going to be easy, however, especially against the best player in the world. In 1989, Diego Maradona had ruined Jrgens night in a Napoli shirt and now, a year later, he was back to do the same in the white and blue of Argentina.

Keep their little magician quiet and well win! the West Germany manager Franz Beckenbauer told his players.

West Germany had previously also played Argentina in the 1986 World Cup final, and on that occasion, Maradona had led his country to victory. This time, things would be different for West Germany, especially with Jrgen up front. His plan was simple but very effective to fight until he fell, to run until he couldnt run anymore.

In the first half, Jrgen battled for the ball with little success. There was nowhere for him to go, with Argentinas defenders marking him so tightly and aggressively.

Ref, thats a blatant foul! Jrgen argued as he fell to the floor.

No way, hes diving! the defenders argued back.

Although he was frustrated, he never gave up. The World Cup trophy was definitely worth fighting for.

In the second half, Jrgen won the ball off Gabriel Caldern and played a one-two with his captain, Lothar Matthus.

Go on, Klinsi! the West Germany fans cheered, their hopes lifting.

As Jrgen raced down the right wing, Pedro Monzn lunged in for a reckless tackle but didnt get anywhere near the ball. Instead, he kicked his opponent and sent him flying through the air.

Arghhhh! Jrgen screamed out in pain.

The referee was fed up with all the fouling. As Jrgen lay there on the grass, he rushed over and gave Monzn a straight red card. Off! he pointed.

It wasnt the goal that Jrgen was looking for but hopefully that would come soon, now that West Germany were facing only ten men.

Go on, Klinsi! the fans cheered. Get us a goal!

However, with five minutes to go, it was still West Germany 0 Argentina 0. Lothar burst forward and passed the ball forward into the path of Jrgens strike partner, Rudi Vller. As Rudi tried to control it, the Argentina centre-back brought him down.

Penalty! Jrgen argued, pointing at the spot.

No way, hes diving! the Argentines argued back.

They surrounded the referee, but his mind was made up. Penalty! he said.

With the pressure on, Andreas Brehme stepped up and scored. 10!

As the net bulged, the stadium erupted with the noise of 40,000 delighted West Germany supporters. Jrgen chased after Andreas and threw his arms around him.

You did it! he yelled. We did it!

After a few more minutes of tense defending, the final was over and West Germany were the champions. Jrgen was now a World Cup winner and he wanted to share the amazing feeling with everyone.

Come here! he said, hugging each and every one of his teammates, coaches and physios.

As Lothar lifted the trophy, Jrgen stood behind him with his winners medal around his neck, clapping and cheering. The bakers boy from Gppingen didnt want his magic moment to ever end.