Joachim Streich

Centre-forward Joachim Streich was in the East German team that won the bronze medal at the 1972 München Olympics, following a 2-2 draw, after extra-time, against the Soviet Union. During the period of extra-time, neither team tried to win, because they knew a draw would secure both of them a medal. Streich was also a member of the 1974 World Cup squad that enjoyed a surprising 1-0 win over West Germany, although he was not used in the match for tactical reasons.

Streich played 98 international matches between 1969-84, and scored 53 goals. He also played eight matches with the GDR Olympic team. Domestically, he played with SC Hansa Rostock from 1969-75, and then with 1.FC Magdeburg until 1985. He helped Magdeburg to win the East German Cup in 1978-79 and 1983. In 1979 and 1983 he was elected Footballer of the Year, and in 1977, 1979, 1981 and 1983 was the top scorer in the East German Oberliga. Often called the “Gerd Müller of the East”, Streich set the following GDR records, which will never be broken: most international appearances (98), most international goals (53), most goals in the Oberliga (229), and most goals in a single Oberliga match (6)

Streich later turned to coaching at 1.FC Magdeburg, Eintracht Braunschweig and FSV Zwickau, but without any notable success. He then worked away from football with the social ministry of Saxony Anhalt, with the sports good company Nike, with sports goods magazine “Sportscheck” in Magdeburg, and as a sports writer with kicker-Sportmagazin.