Former German World Cup stars to face old rivals

West Germany’s 1990 World Cup-winning side will take on their former East German rivals in a special match to celebrate the 20th anniversary of reunification, it was announced on Thursday.

The German Football Federation (DFB) said it will host a match in Leipzig on Sunday, November 21 between members of the squad that won Italia 1990 and their East German counterparts from that era.

The West German side will be coached by the legendary Franz Beckenbauer, who captained West Germany to the World Cup title in 1974 and then went on to coach the side to success in Italy 16 years later.

The DFB said several stars had already said they will play, without giving names.

“We are delighted that so many former players want to play in this match andgive the game a worthy setting,” said DFB general secretary Wolfgang Niersbach.

The match is to be played at Leipzig’s impressive Central Stadium.

The date is significant as November 21 will be the 20th anniversary of the day West Germany and East German’s football federations combined, 49 days after the country’s reunification on October 3, 1990.