Karl-Heinz Schnellingerlegend of German football from the sixties of the last century and Milandied this Monday at the age of 85 in the Italian city of Milan, where he lived, as his family informed German media.
Historical defense of Milan and the choice of then West Germanystands out for his performance and versatility at the back – he can play as left-back, center back and libero – and for his regularity in his performances, which is why he received the nickname ‘Volkswagen’.
Born in the town of Düren, in the region of North Rhine-Westphalia, Schnellinger He started in football in the lower categories of his club in the city, from where he went, at the age of 19, to FC Cologne.
After establishing himself as one of the top defenders in Germany and establishing himself as one of the strongholds of the national team, he began his journey to Italy in 1963, when he signed for Mantova.
A year later, he moved to Rome and from there, also after one season, he would go to the club where he would make his mark in its history: AC Milan.
With the Rorroneri Schnellinger would play more than 300 games over nine seasons and reach the peak of his career, capturing along the way a Serie A, three Italian Cups, a European Cup, two European Cup Winners’ Cups and an Intercontinental Cup, having an important role in all conquests, in addition to being included in the Hall of Fame of the Milan club.
His time with the German National Team is also very relevant. During the 13 years, from 1958 to 1971, that he defended the Mannschaft shirt, he played 47 official matches and participated in four World Cups, from Sweden 58 to Mexico 70, with the runner-up in the World Cup in England 66 and third place in the Mexican championship as the biggest achievement. His coolest moment with Nationalelf came in a match that, surprisingly, ended in defeat.
In the semifinal of the World Cup in Mexico 70 between West Germany and Italy, the country where the emblematic defender played, Schnellinger tied the transalpines with one in the 92nd minute, after the Central Europeans, led by Franz Beckenbauer and Uwe Seeler, they would have lost the entire contest.
Later, in extra time, one of the most iconic moments in the history of football will take place, when Italy, after a series of score changes, will win 4 to 3 in extra time where five goals were scored. It is known as “The Match of the Century.”
Schnellinger would leave the national team shortly after that crash and retire permanently from football in 1975, after playing a final year in the Bundesliga with Tennis Borussia Berlin.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
