Bernd Schneider Retires

When Franz Beckenbauer announced following the World Cup victory in 1990 that a united Germany would be unstoppable for years to come, he was as mistaken as Pele in his prediction. Aside from brief moments of hope in Euro ’92 and Euro ’96 the expected push coming from the integration of East German players never seemed to completely materialize. With the injury forced retirement of Matthias Sammer the German dominance completely flickered out. Indeed, World Cup ’98 seemed to be a watershed for Germany as it went deeper and faster into the abyss of football obscurity.
Reaching the final in World Cup 2002 proved Beckenbauer’s prediction was not totally misplaced. Although it was by far Oliver Kahn and Michael Ballack who got Germany to the final against Brazil, it was in no small part due to the skills of “Schnix” Bernd Schneider. If Ballack was the engine of the team then Schneider was its catalyst with his clever passes, amazing dribbling, and vital presence in midfield.
Schneider was again pivotal for Germany’s success during Germany ‘06. Indeed, if it were not for his near-miss against Italy, Germany might have been going for its fifth FIFA star in South Africa.
Sadly since then, Schneider has suffered the same cruel fate that befell Matthias Sammer. Despite flashes of his former brilliance Schneider has never been able to shake off his persistent injuries. Those injuries prevented his participation in Euro 2008 where his absence was telling.
In the end, Schneider’s injury may have affected Germany and Bayer Leverkusen for the worse, but thankfully he can rest assured that his passion for football is shared by the future of the DFB-Elf. Germany is on the verge of a historic youth football treble – once again brilliant and on the ascendant. By carrying team Germany this past decade and gracefully handing the baton on, Schneider’s contribution to the German football legacy will never be forgotten.
Related Posts
Subscribe
|
Print
|
Share
|
Comments


So what’s the final story? The title says he has retired, but the article doesn’t have a single line to allude to that fact.
An interesting story but not one that has been elaborated on…
Posted from
United Kingdom




All right the title is was a bit lazy.
Bernd Schneider announced today that due to health reasons on the advice of his doctors and in consideration for his family that he has ended his football career. He played 81 times representing Germany and 296 times in the Bundesliga. He first gained recognition during WC 2002 where his qualities earned him the title “White Brazilian.” The high point of his career was WC 2006, and his final game was played in a victory against Austria before Euro 2008.
For more check out the DFB site for a full interview.




I agree he’ll be missed–a class player all the way through, the same as Oliver Neuville–also a clutch player. I don’t really have high expectations of Germany next year, but with a weak group, who knows? This will be Ballack and Klose’s swan songs also.
Posted from
Republic Of Korea


Comments are closed
Send Your Tips!
Email tips[at]worldcupblog[dot]org
Germany Club Football News
- Matchday Twelve: Tearful Reunion
- Match preview: Borussia Monchengladbach v. VfB Stuttgart
- We Won
- Europa League: Werder Bremen 2 - 0 Austria Wien
- FC Bayern vs Schalke 04: The Search For a Non-Stereotypical Storyline
More Europe Blogs
France World Cup Blog
782 Articles | 9,764 Comments
Croatia World Cup Blog
191 Articles | 1,816 Comments
Czech Republic World Cup Blog
196 Articles | 320 Comments
England World Cup Team Blog
803 Articles | 2,750 Comments
Germany World Cup Blog Blog
482 Articles | 3,066 Comments
Italy World Cup Blog
562 Articles | 21,443 Comments
Netherlands World Cup Blog
1,995 Articles | 26,001 Comments
Poland World Cup Blog
347 Articles | 4,082 Comments
Portugal World Cup Blog
447 Articles | 6,804 Comments
Serbia World Cup Team Blog
168 Articles | 847 Comments
Spain World Cup Blog
234 Articles | 1,922 Comments
Sweden World Cup Blog
151 Articles | 318 Comments
Switzerland World Cup Blog
217 Articles | 327 Comments
Ukraine World Cup Team Blog
116 Articles | 783 Comments
Greece World Cup Blog
140 Articles | 68 Comments
Russia World Cup Blog
78 Articles | 136 Comments
Scotland World Cup Team Blog
99 Articles | 108 Comments
Ireland World Cup Team Blog
48 Articles | 74 Comments
Norway World Cup Team Blog
9 Articles | 6 Comments
Turkey World Cup Blog
39 Articles | 293 Comments
Romania World Cup Blog
78 Articles | 281 Comments
Austria World Cup Blog
111 Articles | 117 Comments
Denmark World Cup Team Blog
8 Articles | 27 Comments
Albania World Cup Team Blog
4 Articles | 8 Comments
Belgium World Cup Team Blog
49 Articles | 59 Comments
Wales World Cup Team Blog
61 Articles | 17 Comments
Bosnia World Cup Team Blog
28 Articles | 47 Comments
Israel World Cup Team Blog
22 Articles | 18 Comments
Monthly Archives
World 







