They faced off in the final of Euro 96.
They were on opposing ends on multiple occasions in the Premier League.
It seems as if Patrik Berger and Steffen Freund cannot get enough of each other.
Next month, they will be on the same stage again, for Team Astro.
Berger and Freund will be in Malaysia as part of the Astro’s coverage of Euro 2016 beginning June 11, providing their insights and analysis on the key matches in the showpiece event in France.
For Berger, Kuala Lumpur is a familiar playground, having been down many times for exhibition matches and events. But it is the opposite for Freund, “I have been to Asia several times with Spurs but never to Malaysia. Hope I’ll have some time to learn more about the city, the food and the people”.
The defensive midfielder, who was part of Germany’s Euro 96 winning squad, will be on the expert panel from the quarter final stage, right up to the final. When asked about his pick for the title this year, it was no real surprise who Freund favoured: “No question, Germany”.
Freund’s club career was just as colourful as his international – winning the Champions League in 1997 and 2 Bundesliga crowns with Dortmund. When he moved to England, he won the League Cup with Tottenham in 1999.
Berger’s CV can also give Freund a run for his money, famously winning 4 Cups in the space of 3 seasons with Liverpool. But his claim to fame was at Euro 96, where the Czech Republic surprised everyone.
“We had a very tough group with Germany, Italy and Russia. Somehow we managed to get all the way to the final where we lost to Germany in extra time, but overall it was a big success” Berger reflected.
Berger’s pick for the title this year? Hosts France.
Joining Freund and Berger on the Astro lineup are former England internationals Steve McMahon, Paul Parker and Gary Stevens. Regular favourites Abbas Saad and Stanley Bernard will also feature during the 30-day football marathon.
Astro will also be producing 2 supporting programs during the tournament:
- France Today (730pm live on Matchdays) featuring Reem Shahwa, Michelle Lee, Amelia Henderson, Lez Ann, Nadia Nash and Swarna Naidu.
- The Breakfast Club (8:00am live on Matchdays) featuring Patrick Kinghorn, Stanley Bernard and Dez Corkhill.
