Jürgen Grabowski lifted the DFB Cup with Eintracht Frankfurt in 1974 and went on to win the FIFA World Cup later that same year, before hoisting the DFB Cup aloft once more in 1975, capping a trophy-laden two-year spell that was the most successful period of his career. "It couldn't have been any better, it was simply an incredible time," said the Eintracht legend.
Road to the final
Eintracht's cup campaign began with three away fixtures, resulting in victories over Arminia Bielefeld (3-1), Union Solingen (2-1 after extra time) and then 1. FC Mülheim-Styrum (3-0). From the Round of 16 onwards SGE were handed home ties, with triumphs over VfL Bochum (1-0), Fortuna Köln (4-2) and RW Essen (3-1 after extra time) paving the way for a return to the final. There – as in every round of this season's cup competition - they would meet another opponent from North Rhine-Westphalia.
"The rain refreshed us"
The title-decider against MSV Duisburg took place in Hanover on 21 June, and initially the fierce summer temperatures caused players from both teams - as well as the 43,000 fans in attendance - to struggle. However, a thunderstorm broke out during the half-time interval and a downpour ensued. "The rain refreshed us," said Grabowski, now 73, recalling the match. It also made the pitch slippery and when Duisburg failed to clear a corner from their penalty area in the 57th minute, Charly Körbel pounced to lash in the only goal of the game. Just over half an hour later Grabowski had the DFB Cup in his hands once again, and the Eintracht fans celebrated their heroes' successful title defence.
Eintracht legend
Grabowski laced his boots for the Eagles from 1965-1980, scoring 109 goals and chalking up countless assists in 441 Bundesliga appearances for a side he captained for 11 years. Those figures still fill him with pride to this day: "It goes to show that I was performing at a high level for a long time." Grabowski will accompany SGE to the Olympiastadion this year to cheer on the team.
