Bayern Munich Conquer Europe

German soccer that had been on the decline since the 90s, finally showed a signal of revival.

As Bayern Munich of German Bundesliga captured the European Cup trophy, it revived the pride of German soccer and turned back the center of Europe soccer to Bundesliga.

At the 2001 UEFA Champions League final in Milan, Italy on 24th, Bayern Munich finished the regulation time and the extra time with a tie, 1-1, and won a 5-4 sudden-death penalty shootout victory. Munich became the first European Champion since 1976, and ended 25-year drought to get back to the top in Europe.

Munich`s victory was like a welcome rain to end a long draught for German soccer.

German soccer had fell into the long slump because most world stars had moved to Italian league and Spain league in the aftermath of the long economic recession. Hence, German soccer has waited for the revival of old glory for a long time.

The host of the 2006 World Cup, Germany will hang up high the flag of the `revival of soccer` with Munich`s conquest of Europe. Especially, the `attacking management` that Munich had announced to recruit the world stars and to construct a new stadium would have a far-reaching effect on other teams.

Munich found itself a goal down after only three minutes by Valencia Gaizko Mendieta`s penalty kick. But Munich equalized the game with Stefan Effenberg`s penalty kick after six minutes of the second half.

Both teams finished the extra time with a tie. But at last, as Munich`s goalie saved the attempt of Valencia`s last kicker, the game was sealed with Munich`s victory.

Head Coach Ottmar Hitzfeld selected goalkeeper Oliver Kahn as a hero of the game. Kahn blocked several dangerous moments in the regulation time, and made three memorable saves in the shootout.

However, Valencia who had lost to Real Madrid in the final last year, was defeated again in the final.

Joo Sung-Won swon@donga.com