East Germany at the World Cup
When Germany was divided into West and East Germany in 1949 following the second world war, the West German team was considered Germany's successor. East Germany was accepted as a FIFA member in 1952, though they decided not to participate in qualification for the 1954 Wold Cup.
East Germany entered the World Cup qualification tournament for the first time for the 1958 World Cup. They finished last in their qualification group, behind Czechoslovakia and Wales. Until unification with West Germany in 1990, the East German team was unsuccessful in their attempts to qualify on all but one occasion.
East Germany qualified for the finals of the FIFA World Cup in 1974, finishing 6th. In the first round, East Germany defeated Australia 2-0, drew 1-1 with Chile, and won 1–0 against hosts West Germany (the eventual winners). In the second stage, the team lost to Brazil and the Netherlands, though they did manage a 1-1 draw with Argentina.
East Germany was reunified with West Germany in 1990 and did not compete again after the 1990 World Cup.
Trivia
- During the 1974 World Cup tournament, East Germany played hosts West Germany for the first and only time at senior level, winning 1–0.
Related Pages
- About Germany at the FIFA World Cup
- About when Germany Hosted the World Cup in 2006
- List of all countries who have participated in the World Cup
- About Sport in East Germany
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