Toni Schumacher: Great Keeper With Stained Legacy

Harald Toni Schumacher in FC Cologne colors

Won the European Championships in 1980, won the Bundesliga with FC Cologne in 1977/78 and Borussia Dortmund in 1995/96, won the German Footballer of the Year award in 1984 and 1986, was a World Cup Runner-up in 1982 and 1986. Second best player at 1986 World Cup behind a certain Diego Maradona. Quite an impressive resume. 


Yet for all of Harald Toni Schumacher's heroics as a goalkeeper, his legacy remains very stained by THAT foul on France defender, Patrick Battiston during a highly entertaining Semi Final clash of Espana '82 World Cup. 


Schumacher, at 6ft 1', wielded a lot of control over his box. he was equally good with crosses and wouldn't charging out of his line to close down an attack. Perhaps that  could explain his decision to charge down Battiston. 

You French Aint Gonna Beat Me!

That decision to shoulder-charge a hapless Battiston, caused the French #3 to suffer a concussion, 3 cracked ribs, 3 lost teeth,  a damaged veterbrae. That foul is still regarded today as one of the most violent fouls ever committed in a World Cup game. 

He even slipped into a coma while been stretchered off the pitch. Incredibly referee Charles Corver didn't as much as give Schumacher a caution, neither did he award a foul to the French. 

Schumacher's Brutal Foul on Battiston

And to complete the French frustration, West Germany came from 3-1 down to equalize 3-3 and won the subsequent penalty shootout to send them into the finals. 


His reputation around the world, especially in France, was not helped either by his nonchalant and belligerent stance after the foul as well as remarking that he would pay for the lost teeth when told that his body-check on Battiston caused him to lose 3 teeth.