Mattias Shindelar Football player Date of Birth: 10.02.1903 Country: Austria

1. Biography of Matthias Sindelar
2. Early Life
3. Club Career
4. International Career
5. Legacy
6. Last Years and Tragic End

Biography of Matthias Sindelar

Matthias Sindelar was an Austrian footballer of Czech origin, primarily known for his position as a forward. He was born on February 10, 1903, in Vienna, Austria. Sindelar was considered one of the best center-forwards in the history of Austrian football, earning him the nickname "the Mozart of football."

Early Life

Sindelar grew up in Vienna and began attracting attention from coaches at a young age due to his exceptional technical skills, dribbling, and tricks. His school teacher, Karl Weinmann, formed a children's football team around him, which later became part of "Hertha" Vienna. In 1917, Sindelar's father died in the war, and at the age of 14, he started working as a locksmith. Despite his limited training opportunities, Sindelar became a key player for "Hertha" in 1923, gaining attention from newspapers, who often featured headlines about "Sindy."

Club Career

After a serious knee and foot injury in 1924, Sindelar's career was almost cut short. However, he was able to make a comeback with the help of the team doctor at "Amateure" (later renamed "Austria"). He underwent surgery and returned to the field, playing for "Austria" for the rest of his life. Sindelar was known for his unique style of play, excelling in dribbling, rhythm changes, and feints. He won multiple Austrian championships and cup titles with his club, including the Mitropa Cup in 1933 and 1936.

International Career

Sindelar was a key player in the Austrian national team, known as the "Wunderteam," which was coached by the brilliant Hugo Meisl. The team dominated their opponents, including Germany, Scotland, and Hungary, winning matches with impressive scorelines. Sindelar represented Austria in the 1934 FIFA World Cup, scoring a goal in three matches. However, he was absent from the team when they played the match for third place. The "Wunderteam" ultimately finished in 4th place, marking the end of their successful era.

Legacy

Sindelar's playing style and skills endeared him to the public and earned him admiration from his teammates. He was known for his ability to effortlessly pass multiple defenders and score goals. Sindelar's most memorable goal was in the final of the Mitropa Cup in 1933, where he dribbled past the entire opposition defense, dodging tackles and ultimately scoring the winning goal. After displaying such tricks in matches, Sindelar would shift his focus towards assisting his teammates. He was highly regarded by fans and fellow players alike.

Last Years and Tragic End

In his later years, Sindelar continued playing for "Austria" and opened a cafe in Vienna, which bore his name. However, his life took a tragic turn with the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany in March 1938. Sindelar and the Austrian national team played a farewell match against Germany, winning 2-0. It is believed that Sindelar's refusal to play for the German national team due to his Jewish heritage led to his untimely demise. On January 22, 1939, Sindelar and his girlfriend were found dead in their apartment. The official cause of death was listed as carbon monoxide poisoning, but the circumstances remain a mystery. His death marked the end of an era for Austrian football before the outbreak of World War II.