In 1961, future West German Chancellor Willy Brandt declared: “The sky above the Ruhr must be blue again.” His words were greeted with what seemed like applause, but it was actually his audience falling from their seats. Because the Ruhrpott, or Ruhr area, is an agglomeration of industrial cities including Gelsenkirchen (where England will play … Read more
Franz Beckenbauer, who has died aged 78, was one of the greatest players and most influential figures in the history of German football. Nicknamed ‘Der Kaiser’ for his impressive playing style as a midfielder or attacking sweeper, Beckenbauer led West Germany to World Cup success as both captain and manager. He also enjoyed a hugely … Read more
Franz Beckenbauer guided West Germany to its second World Cup victory as captain and 16 years later third as manager – AP Photo, File The Monty Python sketch Philosophers’ Football Match, first broadcast in 1972, pits two groups of history’s great thinkers against each other in a battle of wits. There are the Greeks – … Read more