The result eliminated West Germany from the tournament while Italy went on to lose to Brazil in the final.

German television commentator Ernst Huberty famously exclaimed "Schnellinger, of all people!"

"), since Schnellinger played in Italy's professional football league, Serie A, at A.C. Milan (for whom he had never scored).

[5] Gerd Müller put West Germany ahead in the 94th minute following a defensive error by Fabrizio Poletti who had just come into the game as a substitute, but Tarcisio Burgnich equalised only four minutes later, and then striker Gigi Riva put the Italians in front again with a superb goal.

Being left unmarked near the penalty area, Rivera had connected perfectly with a fine cross made by Boninsegna, clinching the victory for Italy at 4–3.