Matthias Sammer
Matthias Sammer scored the quarter-final winner against Croatia and evoked memories of Franz Beckenbauer with his performances at EURO 96. After reunification Germany initially struggled to match the exploits of their former western section, but that changed at this competition.
Full name: Matthias Sammer
Date of birth: September 5, 1967 (age 44)
Place of birth: Dresden, East Germany
Playing position: Sweeper/Central Midfielder
Current role: Technical Director, German Football Association
Matthias Sammer scored the quarter-final winner against Croatia and evoked memories of Franz Beckenbauer with his performances at EURO '96. After reunification Germany initially struggled to match the exploits of their former western section, but that changed at this competition. Having moved through the semi-finals, they came from behind to edge out hosts England on penalties and then defeated the Czech Republic with a golden goal. Playing in a libero role first filled by Franz Beckenbauer, former East Germany international Matthias Sammer was inspirational throughout as his nation won the title for the third time.
In all he scored 14 goals in 74 games for East Germany and Germany combined. A serious knee injury cut his career short in 1998 but the love for the game led him towards Borussia Dortmund in 2000. As manager of the team, he took them to a German championship in 2002. He then coached VfB Stuttgart in the 2004-05 season.
Currently he is the technical director of the German Football Association (DFB) working in close connection with national coach Joachim Low to enhance technical capabilities of all German national sides.