Having been chosen as the best player in Germany in 1993, his biggest achievement came in 1996, winning the European Championship and playing a pivotal role in Germany's campaign. In the last group match he saved Gianfranco Zola's penalty for Italy and also saved Gareth Southgate's penalty in the semi-final shootout victory against England in the semi-final. Due to his success with the German team he was voted FIFA goalkeeper of the year.