HALLE, Germany (AP) — Bernd Bransch, who captained East Germany at its solely World Cup look in a symbolic Cold War win over West Germany, has died. He was 77.
Bransch’s former membership Hallescher FC stated in a press release Sunday that he had died on Saturday following “an extended, extreme sickness.”
Bransch was East Germany’s equal of the charismatic West German star Franz Beckenbauer. Both males captained their nationwide groups and each performed as a sweeper, sitting deep in protection with area to begin counterattacks.
When they met at the 1974 World Cup in West Germany, it was Bransch’s crew that got here out the shock winner, beating West Germany 1-0 with a purpose from Jürgen Sparwasser. Both groups certified from the primary group stage, however East Germany was eradicated within the subsequent spherical whereas West Germany gained the event with a 2-1 win over the Netherlands within the closing.
Bransch’s largest profession success got here two years later when he gained the Olympic gold medal with East Germany, approaching as an alternative within the 3-1 win over Poland within the closing. In these days, the Olympic soccer event was strictly for amateurs, although satellite tv for pc states of the Soviet Union like East Germany tended to dominate with squads of gamers who have been registered as novice however who performed and educated full-time.
Hallescher FC, which was generally known as HFC Chemie within the East German league throughout Bransch’s enjoying days, stated he retired in 1977 and later served as membership president.
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Bernd Bransch, East Germany’s World Cup captain, dies at 77 & More Latest News Update
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