SPORTS> World Cup History
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SPORTS> World Cup History
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Classic Players (1): Franz Beckenbauer
(FIFAworldcup.com)
Updated: 2006-05-23 16:02 Name : Franz Beckenbauer
The brains behind Germany Beckenbauer is without doubt one of the greatest players and managers of all time. He redefined the role of 'libero', lifted the FIFA World Cup as captain in 1974, before repeating the feat as a manager in 1990. The son of a General Manager of a postal depot, he began his career at the age of 9, in the youth team of SC Munchen 06, before joining FC Bayern Munich in 1958. He made his debut for Bayern on the left wing, against FC St. Pauli, on 6 June 1964. In only his first season in the regional league, he won promotion to the Bundesliga. Franz celebrated his first international cap on 26 September 1965 at the tender age of 20, and went on to play in three FIFA World Cups. The young Beckenbauer made his first finals appearance in 1966, scoring 2 goals in a 5-0 victory over Switzerland in his first game. Although Germany lost in that legendary Final to hosts England at Wembley, more than 30 years later, Beckenbauer can reflect positively on events: "Being a runner-up in the FIFA World Cup isn't too bad for a young player", Beckenbauer told FIFAworldcup.com. His second tournament in Mexico 1970 was also memorable as he played in the semi-final against Italy with a dislocated shoulder, carrying his injured arm in a sling. However, his dedication went unrewarded, as Italy won the match 4:3, and the Germans had to settle for third place. Nevertheless, Beckenbauer still has fond memories of Mexico: "1970 was a magnificent tournament. The fans were fanatical and stadium security wasn't quite so intense in those days. You could still do pretty much what you wanted to. There was just one armed policeman who sat outside the entrance and watched the whole ground. Obviously, that would be unthinkable today. Back then, it was simply more relaxed. The games in Mexico were colourful. The country laughed and football danced". Beating one of the greatest ever
The 1974 FIFA World Cup in Germany was something extra-special for Beckenbauer and his team. From the first whistle, the home fans expected nothing less than victory. The high expectations were something the captain was all too aware of, "when you are hosts, there is obviously twice the pressure, because everybody expects you to win". Gerd Mueller, Paul Breitner, Wolfgang Overath and the rest of the team withstood the pressure to make Germany winners for the second time. After the 2-1 victory over The Netherlands, Beckenbauer became the first captain to lift the brand new FIFA World Cup trophy after Brazil had retained the Jules Rimet cup in 1970. In 1977, Beckenbauer left Bayern Munich to join the New York Cosmos. By the time he left Munich he had won every major honour with "his" Bayern (hat-trick of European Cups, four Championships, four German Cup medals). He hoped to find a new challenge in America's professional league, as well as earn a good living. From a sporting point of view, however, the switch to America did not further his development: "Football-wise it was a non starter" he said. No end to the success
In 1982, he made his comeback in the Bundesliga at 35, playing for one season with Hamburg. He retired from playing in 1983 after another spell with the Cosmos in New York. In July 1984, after the failure of Jupp Derwall at that year's European Championships, Beckenbauer was installed as national manager. His first major success as manager was at Mexico 1986, where he led his team to the Final. Although Argentina won the trophy, Beckenbauer had come of age as a manager.
At Italia 1990, Germany became undefeated World Champions, and when Andreas Brehme converted his penalty in the Final against Argentina, Beckenbauer secured his place in German football history for all eternity. He became the first man to win the FIFA World Cup as captain and as manager. Winning the trophy as a manager remains the pinnacle of Franz Beckenbauer's football career: "I would say 1990 in Italy was the most important to me, it doesn't come any better than managing a side to victory," he has been quoted as saying. Beckenbauer was President of FC Bayern Munich until 1998, when he was made Vice-President of the German Football Association. It was under his reign that the successful campaign to host the 2006 FIFA World Cup was launched. Since Germany's bid to host its second finals tournament was accepted, he has taken an active role in the planning and staging of 2006 FIFA World Cup as Chairman of the organising committee.
Playing Career International honours 103 International appearances (50 as captain), 14 goals 1966 FIFA World Cup England? runner up 1970 FIFA World Cup? third place 1974 FIFA World Cup? Champion European Championship winner 1972 1954 - 1958 SC München 06 1958 - 1977 FC Bayern Munich 1977 - 1980, 1983 New York Cosmos 1980 - 1982 Hamburg SV 1969, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1982 German Champion 1966, 1967, 1969, 1971 German Cup Champion 1974, 1975, 1976 European Cup Champion 1967 European Cup Winners Cup Champion 1977, 1978, 1980 NASL (USA) Champion 424 Bundesliga appearances, 44 goals 78 European Cup appearances, 6 goals Managerial career Clubs 1990-1991 Olympique Marseille 1994, 1996 Bayern Munich 1984 - 1990 Germany 1986 FIFA World Cup runner up 1990 FIFA World Cup Champion 1994 German Champion 1996 UEFA Cup Champion |
