Second Acts and comebacks, Part Ten

1- Lothar Matthaus and Bayern Munich, 1998/2000

German star Lothar Matthaus had been left out of the National Team for a number of years with Mathias Sammer firmly established as the National Team Libero. However, Sammer’s continuous injury problems forced the end of his career.

Matthaus’ excellent form as Libero despite his advancing years earned him a return to the National Team in his late 30s as Berti Vogts and Erick Ribbeck called upon his services until the age of 40. He participated in the 1998 World Cup as well as the 2000 Euros.

Photo From: World Soccer, April 1999

(Lothar Matthaus with Bayern Munich)

2- Hugo Broos and Belgium, 1985/86

Belgium and then Anderlecht defender Hugo Broos had last played for Belgium in 1979.

After being out of National Team reckoning for six years, Broos (now with Club Brugge) was recalled by Guys Thys for a key World Cup qualifier on November 20, 1985 (Holand 2-Belgium 1).

He sealed his place for the 1986 World Cup Finals squad as well.

Photo From: Panini Belgium, 1986/87

(Hugo Broos with Club Brugge)

3- Claudio Caniggia and Dundee/Rangers Glasgow 2000/02

Argentina striker had been out of the limelight for a number of years and out of International reckoning.

A surprise move to Scottish Football resurrected his career. His fine form at Dundee (2000/01) earned him a move to Rangers Glasgow (2001/03).

He even made the 2002 World Cup Finals squad for Argentina.

 Photo From: World Soccer, April 2002

(Argentina’s Claudio Caniggia at Rangers Glasgow, 2001/02)

4- Aldo Serena and Internazionale Milano 1988/1990
Italian striker Aldo Serena was not part of Azeglio Vicini’s plans as the striking partnerships ofVialli/Altobelli and then Vialli/Mancini seemed to be his preferred choices.

However, Inter’s excellent season in 1988/89 coupled with Serena’s own goalscoring (he was top goalscorer that season) earned him a return to the National Team and he made the 1990 World Cup Finals squad.

Photo From: 1988-89 Calciatori Panini

(Aldo Serena with Internazionale Milano)

5- Ian Callaghan and Liverpool 1977

Liverpool’s Ian Callaghan had last played for England during the First Round of the 1966 World Cup and then had disappeared from the National Team reckoning.

However, Liverpool’s excellent resurgence in the 70s brought him back into the limelight.

After eleven years he was recalled by new England Mananger Ron Greenwood and played for England in a Friendly vs. Switzerland on September 7, 1977 at Wembley (scoreless tie).

Photo From: England, The Complete Post-War Record, Author Mike Payne

(Ian Callaghan with Liverpool players)