Andreas Köpke (born March 12, 1962 in Kiel) is a former German football goalkeeper, who was in the German squad that won the 1990 FIFA World Cup, and was also part of the 1994 FIFA World Cup squad. Though he did not appear in any of the matches, with Bodo Illgner preferred in goal, Köpke's chance to shine came soon after.

Having been chosen as the best player in Germany in 1993, his biggest achievement came in 1996, winning the European Championship and playing a pivotal role in Germany's campaign (he saved Gareth Southgate's penalty kick and ensured Germany reached the final). Due to these achievements he was voted FIFA goalkeeper of the year.

Köpke was also Germany's first-choice goalkeeper during their 1998 FIFA World Cup campaign, which ended in a 3-0 loss to Croatia in the quarter finals. Having already made his decision to retire at the end of the World Cup prior to the tournament, Köpke was true to his word; his retirement paved the way for another great German keeper, Oliver Kahn. In total, Köpke played 59 matches for his country.

Köpke began and ended his club career at 1. FC Nuremberg and also played at Eintracht Frankfurt and Olympique Marseille. Up to this day Köpke is still very much involved in German football. He is goalkeeping coach of the German national team as well as an ambassador to Nuremberg as it prepared for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Currently, Köpke acts as Germany's goalkeeper-coach for the Euro 2008 tournament.

Honours

• 1996 European Championship
• 1990 FIFA World Cup
• 2. Fussball-BundesligaIndvidual
• Best European Goalkeeper: 1996
• German Footballer of the Year: 1993
• IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper – 1st Places: 1996

References

External links

• Career stats at fussballdaten.de
• Official website