Helmut Haller

Helmut Haller (born July 21, 1939 in Augsburg, Germany) was a footballer who represented proud West Germany at three World Cups.

Related Topics:
July 21 - 1939 - Augsburg - Germany - Footballer - West Germany - World Cups

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Haller was a playmaker and striker who made his international debut at age 19 in 1958. He played at the {{Wc|1962}} in Chile, the {{Wc|1966}} in England and the {{Wc|1970}} in Mexico. He won 33 caps in total, scoring 13 goals.

Related Topics:
1958 - Chile - England - Mexico

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West Germany reached the final of the 1966 competition and Haller scored the opening goal of the game, but opponents England won 4-2. Along with his second place medal, Haller also got the match ball from the game, though more than 30 years later he returned to England to present it to Geoff Hurst, who had scored a hat-trick in the game and was therefore by tradition considered to be entitled to own the ball.

Related Topics:
1966 - England - Geoff Hurst - Hat-trick

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In his club career, Haller played for Augsburg, he then moved to Italy to join Bologna and then Juventus. In 1973 he went back to his hometown club and retired in 1979.

Related Topics:
Augsburg - Italy - Bologna - Juventus - 1973 - 1979

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