On September 1, 2001, Sven-Göran Eriksson's England traveled to the Olympiastadion in Munich for a crucial 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifier against fierce rivals Germany. What unfolded was an unforgettable 5-1 triumph that ended Germany's 28-year unbeaten home record in World Cup qualifying matches.
Carsten Jancker gave Rudi Völler's side an early lead in the 6th minute, but England responded with ruthless efficiency. Michael Owen equalized in the 12th minute after pouncing on a header from Gary Neville, before 21-year-old Steven Gerrard launched a 25-yard half-volley into Oliver Kahn's bottom corner in first-half stoppage time.
The second half belonged entirely to Liverpool striker Michael Owen, who added two further clinical finishes in the 48th and 66th minutes to complete a stunning hat-trick against the reigning World Goalkeeper of the Year. In the 74th minute, David Beckham fed Emile Heskey to slide home the fifth goal, capping an extraordinary 5-1 rout.
The victory transformed England's qualification campaign and remains arguably the nation's most celebrated competitive away performance since the 1966 World Cup.