Shortly before kick-off of the European Championship opening match, Franz Beckenbauer’s widow steps onto the pitch. Loud applause can be heard in the Munich Arena.
The European Football Championship in Germany began with an emotional moment in the Munich Arena.
Shortly before kick-off of the German national team’s opening match against Scotland, Franz Beckenbauer’s widow Heidi brought the silver Henri Delaunay Cup onto the pitch, accompanied by European Championship icons Jürgen Klinsmann and Bernard Dietz. Loud applause could be heard in the stadium. Before she left the pitch again, Heidi Beckenbauer blew a kiss towards the sky.
The opening ceremony, which lasted just under 15 minutes, began with a dance performance. Two large banners with the words “Welcome to Germany” were visible. Pyrotechnics were also set off. The Munich district administration department initially expressed concerns about these, but then approved the show. The creative mind behind the opening ceremony was Carlos Navarrete-Patiño, who has also staged shows for the International Olympic Committee, Formula 1 and Cirque du Soleil.
Beckenbauer died in January at the age of 78. The German football emperor was captain of Germany’s first European Championship triumph in 1972. Klinsmann and Dietz were the captains of the European Championship titles in 1996 and 1980.
Source: Stern
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