page_title: Sepp Maier
section_title: International
hierarchical_section_title: Sepp Maier / Playing career / International
caption_attribution_description: Nederlands: Collectie / Archief&#160;: Fotocollectie Anefo Reportage / Serie&#160;: [ onbekend ] Beschrijving&#160;: Finale wereldkampioenschap voetbal 1974 in Munchen, West Duitsland tegen Nederland 2-1; keeper Sepp Maier met de beker Datum&#160;: 7 juli 1974 Locatie&#160;: München, Nederland, West-Duitsland Trefwoorden&#160;: bekers, finales, keepers, sport, voetbal, wereldkampioenschappen Persoonsnaam&#160;: Maier, Sepp Fotograaf&#160;: Verhoeff, Bert / Anefo Auteursrechthebbende&#160;: Nationaal Archief Materiaalsoort&#160;: Negatief (zwart/wit) Nummer archiefinventaris&#160;: bekijk toegang 2.24.01.05 Bestanddeelnummer&#160;: 927-3107
context_page_description: Josef Dieter "Sepp" Maier is a German former professional football goalkeeper who played for Bayern Munich and the German national football team. Regarded as one of Germany's greatest goalkeepers, he was nicknamed "Die Katze von Anzing" for his fast reflexes, agility, flexibility, speed, and consistency; in addition to his shot-stopping ability, he was also known for his ability to dominate his box, as well as his sense of humour and personality throughout his career, which made him a fan favourite. Regarding his playing style, he once quipped "a keeper should give off a sense of calm, and not fall asleep while doing so."
context_section_description: Maier was selected in the West Germany squad for four consecutive World Cups. In 1966 in England, he was a non-playing deputy to Hans Tilkowski. At the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, he was the undisputed starter and played all games (including the legendary 3–4 semifinal loss to Italy after extra time) except the third-place match.
  In the 1974 FIFA World Cup on home soil, at the top of his footballing abilities, he reached the peak of his international career as the Germans went all the way to the final with a legendary team that included the likes of Franz Beckenbauer, Berti Vogts, Gerd Müller and Paul Breitner. The greatest triumph came when the hosts defeated a Johan Cruyff-led Netherlands team 2–1 in the final in Maier's own hometown Munich.
  Four years later at the World Cup in Argentina, slightly past his peak but still formidable, Maier delivered a strong performance but could not prevent his side's failing to advance past the second round. Maier also won the 1972 European Championship with West Germany and reached the final in 1976, losing to Czechoslovakia on penalty kicks. On this occasion he was on the receiving end of the original Panenka penalty. In all, he earned 95 caps for his country.
caption: Maier holding the 1974 FIFA World Cup trophy
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