Bernd Franke facts for kids
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 12 February 1948 | ||
| Place of birth | Bliesen, Saar Protectorate | ||
| Height | 1.83 m | ||
| Playing position | Goalkeeper | ||
| Youth career | |||
| –1966 | SV Bliesen | ||
| 1966–1967 | SV Urexweiler | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1967–1969 | Saar 05 Saarbrücken | 35 | (0) |
| 1969–1971 | Fortuna Düsseldorf | 29 | (0) |
| 1971–1985 | Eintracht Braunschweig | 387 | (0) |
| Total | 451 | (0) | |
| National team | |||
| 1972–1977 | West Germany B | 6 | (0) |
| 1973–1982 | West Germany | 7 | (0) |
| 1982–1984 | West Germany Olympic | 12 | (0) |
|
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Bernd Franke was born on February 12, 1948. He is a German former footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He was known for his loyalty to his clubs and his strong performances in goal.
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Bernd Franke's Club Football Journey
Bernd Franke started playing football as a young boy. He was even an outfield player before becoming a goalkeeper. He showed great talent at Saar 05 Saarbrücken. His manager, Otto Knefler, noticed his skills.
Playing for Fortuna Düsseldorf
Otto Knefler later moved to Fortuna Düsseldorf. He remembered Bernd Franke and brought him to the team. This was a big step for Franke's career.
Time at Eintracht Braunschweig
In 1971, Knefler joined Bundesliga team Eintracht Braunschweig. He signed Franke again. Franke quickly became the main goalkeeper for the team. Even though the club was relegated in 1973, Franke stayed loyal. He chose to stay with Braunschweig instead of joining another top-tier club.
He helped Braunschweig return to the Bundesliga in 1974. In 1977, his team finished in an impressive third place. Franke was a very reliable goalkeeper for them.
Later Career and Retirement
Towards the end of his career, Franke faced some injuries. Despite this, he remained a loyal player for Eintracht Braunschweig. He played for them until 1985, when the club was relegated again. That year, Bernd Franke decided to retire from football. He played in 345 Bundesliga matches for Eintracht Braunschweig.
Bernd Franke's International Career
Bernd Franke's excellent play for Eintracht Braunschweig caught the eye of the West Germany coaches. He became a backup goalkeeper for the national team.
Early National Team Appearances
He played his first game for West Germany on March 28, 1973. These games were usually friendly matches. He often played when the main goalkeepers, Sepp Maier and Wolfgang Kleff, were not playing.
Missing World Cups
Franke had some bad luck with the FIFA World Cup. In 1973, he chose to stay with his club after they were relegated. This decision likely cost him a spot in the 1974 World Cup squad. West Germany went on to win that tournament.
In May 1978, he got injured just before the 1978 FIFA World Cup. This injury forced him to miss out on the tournament. It was very disappointing for him.
Finally a World Cup Player
Franke was very happy when he made it into the final squad for the 1982 FIFA World Cup. Even though he didn't play in any matches during that competition, being part of the team was a big achievement. Before the tournament, he played his last two international games. West Germany won both friendly matches against Portugal and Norway.
Olympic Games
Later in his career, Franke got the chance to play for West Germany at the 1984 Summer Olympics. He was the starting goalkeeper for all four of their matches in the football competition. Many people thought Franke was as good as other top goalkeepers of his time. However, unlucky injuries at key moments kept him from becoming the first-choice goalkeeper for West Germany.
