Franz Beckenbauer reformed football in his era perhaps more than anyone else. The capture in the 1970 World Cup will not be forgotten in football history.
Franz Beckenbauer was one of the best soccer players of all time. The German’s death at the age of 78 was announced on Monday.
As a player, Beckenbauer’s most significant achievement was the WC gold in 1974, but he left the biggest legacy to the game itself. He is considered the creator of the libero position.
– When I started to understand something about football, they talked about the “Emperor”, Beckenbauer. It was self-evident that someone was the “Emperor” of yard games, even if no one had seen him play. He had the kind of aura that carried over from speech to the world of infants, Urheilu’s expert Erkka V. Lehtola remembers.
– A visionary who already played in a way that today could be called modern football. From his playing position, he was able to play several different roles, which is emphasized a lot nowadays, Urheilu’s expert Antti Pohja says.
Pohja describes Beckenbauer as a football field genius. And for a reason: he is one of only three people in the world who have won soccer World Cup gold as both a player and a coach. It’s a stroke of luck that a week ago there were still three of them. Now just one more.
Brazilian Mario Zagallo died Friday at the age of 92, just two days before Beckenbauer. Current head coach of France Didier Deschamps is the third double champion.
– Beckenbauer has been able to lead the game not only with his own performances, but also with his own thinking about the role of the libero and on the other hand from the side of the court. Anyone can’t play winning football in many roles, says Pohja.
Perhaps the most famous photo series of Beckenbauer is from the 1970 World Cup in Mexico. West Germany played against Italy in a legendary semi-final match. Beckenbauer injured his shoulder, but played with his arm in a sling.
– A great leader. Playing in a carrier only adds to the fairytale-like story, says Lehtola.
Four years later, he led his country to the World Cup gold as captain. Another iconic captain, Holland Johan Cruyff lost his best chance for a big win at the same time.
Beckenbauer had actually been close to the World Cup gold already in 1966 in England. Then the host country beat West Germany in extra time in the final. Beckenbauer filmed that match the hardest of his career. He guarded the whole game without flinching the England big player Bobby Charlton.
– Many may even be surprised that Beckenbauer was already involved then. He has been a medal guarantee figure for Germany everywhere, says Lehtola.
Indeed. As a player, World Cup silver in 1966, bronze in 1970, gold in 1974. European Championship gold in 1972. As a coach, World Cup silver in 1986 and gold in 1990. Success in the club team also came with a bargain in Bayern Munich, including three European Cups won as a player.
Argentina and Diego Maradona Known as a staunch supporter, Lehtola reveals that thanks to Beckenbauer, Argentina’s final defeat in the 1990 World Cup felt even a little better.
– Yes, it really took a toll on me. However, a small part of me was of the opinion that if another legend could win the championship as a coach, it would be Beckenbauer. If you had to look for comfort in something, Lehtola admits with a twinkle in the corner of her eye.
In the coming days and weeks, Beckenbauer will be remembered in football matches around the world. One of the greatest football players is gone.
– Once again, the starting line-up was in heaven. Now there’s a king and an emperor, a football god and everything. It’s not easy to fit into the opening. But Beckenbauer can fit in, says Lehtola.