On June 17, 1970, the Estadio Azteca witnessed what many consider the "Best match in the history of the World Cup." Both teams entered with high expectations of reaching the final: Germany had eliminated the reigning world champion (England), and Italy had defeated the host team (Mexico).

The match ended 1-1 in regular time, with goals from Roberto Boninsegna for Italy and Karl-Heinz Schnellinger for Germany. At the beginning of the first extra time, Franz Beckenbauer received a strong tackle from Giacinto Facchetti that left him injured on the field with a damaged shoulder.

The situation worsened for Germany as they had exhausted all substitutions. Despite the pain, Beckenbauer chose to stay on the field, wearing an improvised bandage that immobilized his body. What unfolded that day were the most thrilling 30 minutes in the history of football, as it was the first and only time that five goals were scored during extra time.

The match ended 4-3 in favor of Italy, who advanced to the World Cup final. However, a pained and sorrowful Beckenbauer later stated that if everyone had been in optimal condition, the result would have been different. Fortunately, football provides second chances, and in 1974, "Der Kaiser" managed to win the World Cup with Germany.