BERLIN: World Cup winner Andreas Brehme, whose late penalty in the 1990 final against Arg­e­n­tina in Italy handed Germany their third world title, has died at the age of 63, his family said.

The attacking full back became an instant Germany football great when his spot kick earned them a 1-0 victory over Diego Mar­adona’s Argentina in the World Cup final in Rome.

Tributes and condolences poured in from clubs across the Bundesliga and Europe.

“A magnificent player, a great Inter fan. Ciao Andy, forever legend,” former club Inter Milan said on social media.

Brehme also played for Bayern Munich and Real Zaragoza among others before retiring in 1998 following his return to Kaiserslautern and lifting the Bundesliga title with them.

But the defender’s footballing journey began in his hometown of Hamburg at HSV Barmbek-Uhlenhorst.

Brehme’s remarkable ability with both feet was down in part to the influence of his father and coach, Bernd.

In Italy, Brehme will be remembered for the partnership he formed with compatriots Juergen Klinsmann and Lothar Matthaeus at Inter Milan.

He also won the German league title with Bayern Munich while also lifting the Serie A trophy and a UEFA Cup with Inter.

“FCK mourns the passing of Andreas Brehme,” Kaiserslautern said. “He wore the Red Devils’ shirt for a total of 10 years and became German champion and German Cup winner with FCK. The FCK family is in deep mourning and our thoughts are with Andi’s family and friends.”

Brehme won 86 caps for Germ­any, scoring eight goals, including the one he is best remembered for.

Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2024