- The former defender of the Federal Republic of Germany died on Monday in Milan
- Schnellinger spent nine years at AC Milan and played in four World Cups.
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German football legend Karl-Heinz Schnellinger has sadly passed away at the age of 85 after a long battle with illness.
The former defender, who played four World Cups with West Germany, died on Monday at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan.
Schnellinger became known as ‘The Volkswagen’ in his playing days and spent most of his career with AC Milan, playing 47 times for his country.
He is best remembered for his 1966 and 1970 World Cups, where he played an important role in the runs to the final and semi-final.
Schnellinger started for West Germany when they suffered defeat by England in the 1966 Wembley final.
German football legend Karl-Heinz Schnellinger has sadly passed away at the age of 85.
His crowning moment would come four years later, when his national team played what was called “The Match of the Century” against Italy in the quarterfinals.
West Germany trailed 1-0 and despaired as the match entered injury time, but Schnellinger pounced to score his only international goal and send the tie into extra time.
German television commentator Ernst Huberty is remembered for shouting: ‘Schnellinger! Ausgerechnet Schnellinger’, which roughly translates to Schnellinger of all people.
Another five goals would follow in the next 30 minutes and Italy finally achieved an unforgettable 4-3 victory.
The former defender, who played in four World Cups, died this Monday in Milan