Legendary German Defender Karl-Heinz Schnellinger, Nicknamed “Volkswagen”, Dies Aged 85

German footballing legend Karl-Heinz Schnellinger has sadly died at the age of 85 following a long battle with illness. The former defender, who featured in four World Cups for West Germany, passed away at San Raffaele Hospital in Milan on Monday.

Schnellinger became known as ‘The Volkswagen’ in his playing days and spent the majority of his career at AC Milan while playing 47 times for his country. He is best remembered for his 1966 and 1970 World Cups, where he played a big role in runs to the final and semi-final.

Schnellinger started for West Germany as they suffered defeat to England in the final at Wembley in 1966. His crowning moment would come four years later as his national team played out what was labeled ‘The Game of the Century’ with Italy in the last four.

West Germany was 1-0 down and getting desperate as the match entered injury time but Schnellinger pounced to score his only international goal and take the tie to extra-time.