Former world cup hero Andreas Brehme passes away at 63

Former West Germany footballer, Andreas Brehme, who scored the winning goal in the 1990 World Cup final, has died aged 63. Brehme scored a penalty in the 85th minute to secure a 1-0 victory over Argentina in Rome.

The 63-year-old amassed 86 caps for West Germany and also enjoyed domestic success with Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Kaiserslautern. German publication Bild reported that Brehme passed away on Monday, after suffering a suspected cardiac arrest. Medical staff were unable to revive him at a clinic near his home.

Regarded as an archetypal attacking full-back, Brehme was comfortable playing on either flank, thanks to his two-footed ability. His versatility also saw him utilised in midfield on occasion. A skilled dead-ball specialist, Brehme frequently contributed goals at club level. He scored four of his eight West Germany goals at World Cup tournaments, including in the 1990 semi-final against England.

England fans will remember Brehme for converting West Germany’s first penalty before Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle’s misses ended English hopes. Brehme scored his last international goal against Sweden in October 1990, just months after that dramatic semi-final in Turin.

Brehme’s death comes after legendary West Germany player and manager, Franz Beckenbauer, died aged 78. Brehme leaves behind his partner and two grown-up sons. The football world will fondly remember his World Cup final-winning spot-kick as a fitting capstone on an illustrious career.