Saarland
While the two German nations may well be known, Saarland was not. Often referred to as the ‘Third German nation’ it was an area that had been occupied by France after World War II, but it’s population did not see itself as French. The French, however, wouldn’t let the area align itself to Germany in any way, so Saarland formed it’s only national football team and applied to join UEFA and FIFA.
It was successful and ended up competing in the 1954 World Cup qualifiers. Back then, groups only consisted of three teams, with the top team going on to the World Cup. Saarland had been drawn in a group with Norway and West Germany. They started off their campaign with a 3-2 win versus Norway on the 24th of June, 1953 in Oslo, but that was to be their only win. Two defeats to West Germany and 0-0 draw at home to Norway meant they finished second to their neighbours.
They continued to play until 1956, when they played their last game in a 3-2 defeat to the Netherlands in Amsterdam. In total, Saarland played 19 times, winning six, drawing three and losing ten.
Waldemar Philippi was Saarlands most capped player, playing in 18 of the 19 of their games. He played his entire career at 1. FC Saarbrücken.
Saarland had joint top goalscorers in Herbert Martin and Herbert Binkert. Both men had scored 6 goals for Saarland, and both men also played for 1. FC Saarbrücken.
📸 The Saarland National Team Crest.