Andreas Brehme, the man who scored the decisive penalty that gave West Germany their third World Cup title in 1990, has died at the age of 63. His partner Susanne Schaefer confirmed that he suffered a cardiac arrest on Monday night. Brehme was one of the most versatile and talented full-backs in football history, capable of playing on either flank and using both feet with equal skill. He was also a master of free-kicks and penalties, scoring eight goals in 86 appearances for his country.
Brehme’s career spanned over two decades, during which he played for several top clubs in Germany, Italy and Spain. He won the Bundesliga twice with Bayern Munich and Kaiserslautern, the Serie A and the UEFA Cup with Inter Milan, and the Copa del Rey with Real Zaragoza. He also reached the European Cup final with Bayern in 1987, losing to Porto.
A World Cup Winner and a Football Legend
Brehme’s crowning moment came in the 1990 World Cup final in Rome, where he faced Argentina, the same team that had beaten West Germany four years earlier in Mexico. The match was tense and tight, with both sides creating few chances and defending fiercely. It looked like the game was heading to extra time, until the 85th minute, when Rudi Voller was brought down by Roberto Sensini in the box. The referee pointed to the spot, and Brehme stepped up to take the penalty.
Brehme, who was naturally right-footed, decided to take the kick with his left foot, as he had done in the semi-final against England. He calmly sent Sergio Goycochea the wrong way and slotted the ball into the bottom corner, sparking wild celebrations among his teammates and fans. Brehme had just scored the most important goal of his life, and secured West Germany’s third World Cup trophy.
Brehme lifted the trophy with his captain Lothar Matthaus, who was also his club teammate at Inter. They were joined by other legends of the game, such as Jurgen Klinsmann, Thomas Hassler, Pierre Littbarski and Klaus Augenthaler. Brehme was named in the team of the tournament, along with four other West Germans. He also became the first player to score in two World Cup finals, having netted a stunning free-kick against Argentina in 1986.
A Tribute from the Football World
Brehme’s death has shocked and saddened the football world, with many former players, coaches and clubs paying tribute to him. His former coach Franz Beckenbauer, who passed away in December, had once said that Brehme was “the best full-back in the world”. His former teammate Matthaus said that Brehme was “a great friend and a great player”. His former club Inter said that he was “a magnificent player, a great Inter fan. Ciao Andy, forever legend”.
The German Football Association (DFB) said that Brehme was “a World Cup winner and, more importantly, a very special person”. The DFB president Fritz Keller said that Brehme was “a role model for generations of footballers, a gentleman on and off the pitch, and a true legend of German football”. The DFB also announced that they will hold a minute of silence before the next international match in his honour.
Brehme is survived by his partner Susanne, his two sons Joshua and Noah, and his daughter Sarah. He will be remembered as one of the greatest players of his generation, and one of the heroes of the 1990 World Cup.
