Archive for April, 2011
Paul Breitner – Tasted Success At A Young Age
Every football player dreams to taste success at the highest level in this sport. But, very few attain it in practicality. There is one such player who had some memorable playing days with the German football. He is Paul Breitner. He was popularly called “Der Afro” due to his large curly hair.
He became a star player at a young age. He joined Bayern Munich at nineteen years of age in 1970. The next year he debuted for West Germany. Initially in his career he played as a full-back player, but later he played in midfield. He was known to have an excellent right foot shot that he used quite often with amazing results.
He was part of the West Germany team that won European Championship held in 1972. After two years they won their second title of World Cup playing as hosts. Breitner played fantastically scoring three goals in it from the defensive position. These included two long range shots against Yugoslavia and Chile besides one penalty in the final match against Holland. Bayern Munich lifted the European Cup in 1974 to make it a superb year for Breitner. At a young age of 22 years, he had won everything this sport could offer.
Paul did not participate at the next world cup in 1978 at Argentina. He had disagreements with certain players and coaching staff. He stayed out of the West Germany team for many years. He changed his thinking just before the World Cup, 1982 in Spain. Several players including Rummenigge supported him.
Breitner played a crucial midfield role in making West Germany reach the final in 1982 where Italy defeated them. Breitner scored the only goal scored by West Germany in the final. He became the third player after Pele and Vava, who scored in two finals of World Cup.