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Breitner is one of three players to score in two World Cup finals. Allsport UK /Allsport |
A key member of the dominant West German and Bayern Munich sides of the early 70s, Breitner won the European Cup and the World Cup within a few months in 1974.
With an enormous mop of curly hair that earned him the nickname "Der Afro", Breitner could also be an extravagant presence on the pitch. Nominally a fullback, Breitner would often take advantage of the fluid shape of Helmut Schoen's West Germany to burst forward with devastating effect.
After thumping home spectacular goals against Yugoslavia and Chile, Breitner coolly converted the penalty that set the host nation on course for its come-from-behind 2-1 win over the Netherlands in the 1974 final in Munich.
Breitner's performances caught the eye of Real Madrid and he would spend the next few years in Spain and out of the national side due to disagreements with coaches and teammates. But in 1982 Breitner returned to play a crucial midfield role as West Germany reached the final. Out-classed by Italy 3-1, Breitner's consolation goal made him only the third player after Pele and Vava to score in two World Cup finals.
