Former Germany striker Helmut Haller dies

Published on 12/10/2012 01:33

Former Germany striker Helmut Haller, who scored in the 1966 World Cup final against England at Wembley, has died at the age of 73, his home club Augsburg said last night.

He had been suffering from dementia for some years.

Haller, who gave Germany a 1-0 lead in the World Cup final England eventually won, picked up 33 caps and scored 13 goals for his country. He also played in the 1962 and 1970 World Cups.

The blond-haired striker – a highly skilled player despite his stocky build – was also known for having kept the 1966 World Cup final ball, taking it with him to Germany before returning it to the English FA in 1996.

He played for 11 years in Italy and won three league titles with Bologna and Juventus.