France National Team Codexery

1982 World Cup Semi-Final – France 3–3 West Germany (4–5 pen)

A legendary semi-final marked by drama and controversy.

The 1982 World Cup semi-final between France and West Germany was a dramatic match that ended 3–3 after extra time, with West Germany winning 4–5 on penalties. The match is considered one of the greatest in World Cup history and was marked by controversy.

Quick Facts

Competition
1982 FIFA World Cup – Semi-Final
Venue
Estadio de la Cartuja, Seville, Spain
Date
8 July 1982
Full-time score
France 3 – 3 West Germany (after extra time)
Penalty shootout
France 4 – 5 West Germany
France scorers
  • Platini (pen)
  • Giresse
  • Domergue
West germany scorers
Rummenigge (2), Breitner

Lore & Background

France reached the semi-finals of the 1982 World Cup under the leadership of Michel Platini, who was a three-time Ballon d'Or winner. The team featured the 'carré magique' ('Magic Square') midfield of Platini, Jean Tigana, Alain Giresse, and Luis Fernández. France lost the semi-final to West Germany on penalties, then finished fourth overall after losing the third-place playoff 3–2 to Poland.

Reader's Guide

The match took place at the Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán in Seville. West Germany was coached by Jupp Derwall. Platini finished as the tournament's top scorer with five goals, not nine. The Golden Ball award was not given at the 1982 World Cup.

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