The location superieur. The ambiance excellent. The atmosphere steeped in both nostalgia and anticipation. Ahead of Germany’s second EURO 2016 group game against Poland, DFB President Reinhard Grindel welcomed the 1996 European Champions to the DFB-EURO2016-CLUB in Paris to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their title win. A report by editor Wolfgang Tobien.
The majority of the "Heroes of Wembley", who back then in England claimed Germany’s third European Championship star, accepted the invitation to attend the event on the elegant boat restaurant on the Seine. In a truly heartfelt manner, DFB President Reinhard Grindel described those in attendance as "very important pillars of a team, which was marked by passionate fighting spirit." He went on to remark about their continuing contributions and careers in the game. "After finishing their playing career, most of them have had remarkable careers and have assumed senior positions in football. It’s great that you were able to take the time to be here for this get together," said Grindel.
Those present on Thursday evening, including former press chief Wolfgang Niersbach, relived memories from the tournament in England 20 years ago. Jens Todt recalled how he had been sat having dinner in a restaurant with his wife when he received a call-up from Berti Vogts just four days before the final. "Due to the severe injury crisis in our team, UEFA permitted another player to be called up. Even though I didn’t play, I was able to experience four, five fantastic days during the last stage of the European Championship triumph."
Stefan Kuntz, who scored the vital equaliser in the 1-1 semi-final draw with England and took the tie to a (successful) penalty shootout, highlighted the incredible injury curse. Jürgen Kohler had suffered a ligament tear in his left knee after just 14 minutes in the opener. Mario Basler had also left the squad because of a serious ankle injury sustained in the first game. Fredi Bobic could only watch because of a shoulder fracture and Steffen Freund had suffered a cruciate ligament injury in the semi-final. "Two days before the final, we could still only train with eight fully fit outfield players. But all these problems just cemented the great unity in our squad," explained Kuntz.
Marco Bode and Stefan Reuter together with former assistant manager Erich Rutemöller brought up Berti Vogts’ legendary slogan ahead of the semi-final at Wembley: "We wanted to make it to London. Now we’re in London and we’ll stay in London until the end."
Ahead of the USA’s Copa America quarterfinal against Ecuador, Jürgen Klinsmann sent a video message. "We were a really great team, full of incredible energy and passion," stated the former captain. "Berti Vogts and I have a job to do here in the USA. We miss you all greatly and look forward to the next reunion in five, four or even fewer years."
The location superieur. The ambiance excellent. The atmosphere steeped in both nostalgia and anticipation. Ahead of Germany’s second EURO 2016 group game against Poland, DFB President Reinhard Grindel welcomed the 1996 European Champions to the DFB-EURO2016-CLUB in Paris to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their title win. A report by editor Wolfgang Tobien.
The majority of the "Heroes of Wembley", who back then in England claimed Germany’s third European Championship star, accepted the invitation to attend the event on the elegant boat restaurant on the Seine. In a truly heartfelt manner, DFB President Reinhard Grindel described those in attendance as "very important pillars of a team, which was marked by passionate fighting spirit." He went on to remark about their continuing contributions and careers in the game. "After finishing their playing career, most of them have had remarkable careers and have assumed senior positions in football. It’s great that you were able to take the time to be here for this get together," said Grindel.
Those present on Thursday evening, including former press chief Wolfgang Niersbach, relived memories from the tournament in England 20 years ago. Jens Todt recalled how he had been sat having dinner in a restaurant with his wife when he received a call-up from Berti Vogts just four days before the final. "Due to the severe injury crisis in our team, UEFA permitted another player to be called up. Even though I didn’t play, I was able to experience four, five fantastic days during the last stage of the European Championship triumph."
Stefan Kuntz, who scored the vital equaliser in the 1-1 semi-final draw with England and took the tie to a (successful) penalty shootout, highlighted the incredible injury curse. Jürgen Kohler had suffered a ligament tear in his left knee after just 14 minutes in the opener. Mario Basler had also left the squad because of a serious ankle injury sustained in the first game. Fredi Bobic could only watch because of a shoulder fracture and Steffen Freund had suffered a cruciate ligament injury in the semi-final. "Two days before the final, we could still only train with eight fully fit outfield players. But all these problems just cemented the great unity in our squad," explained Kuntz.
Marco Bode and Stefan Reuter together with former assistant manager Erich Rutemöller brought up Berti Vogts’ legendary slogan ahead of the semi-final at Wembley: "We wanted to make it to London. Now we’re in London and we’ll stay in London until the end."
Ahead of the USA’s Copa America quarterfinal against Ecuador, Jürgen Klinsmann sent a video message. "We were a really great team, full of incredible energy and passion," stated the former captain. "Berti Vogts and I have a job to do here in the USA. We miss you all greatly and look forward to the next reunion in five, four or even fewer years."
