Krankl, widely regarded as Austria's greatest ever striker, was actually playing in Cordoba in Argentina when he secured his place in the hearts of his compatriots forever - by scoring against arch-rivals Germany.

Austria had not beaten their neighbours for 37 years and were rank underdogs for the 1978 World Cup second group game, despite finishing above Brazil in the opening phase of the competition.

But Krankl netted two goals in an historic 3-2 win against the Germans and even though Austria ultimately failed to progress, the win also helped knock-out the reigning champions.

Krankl burst onto the scene as a 20-year-old at Rapid Vienna when he scored 36 goals in his debut season and by the time of that famous 1978 World Cup, he had taken that tally to a superb 145 in just five domestic campaigns.

That amazing record earned the striker a move to mighty Barcelona and he continued to shine as he ended the season with 29 goals and the Spanish Golden Boot, as well as a European Cup Winners Cup medal.

But after just one year Krankl returned to Austria where he terrified defences once again - predominantly with Rapid Vienna - until he finally hung up his boots in 1989 aged 36 with more than 400 career goals to his name.

Unsurprisingly, he soon became coach at his beloved Rapid, but after three years in charge he left again and began a tour of clubs which included Vfb Modling, FC Tirol, Austria Salzburg and Fortuna Koln.

Krankl was a popular choice when he was appointed national manager in February 2002, but he could not guide the team to the European Championships in Portugal as Holland and the Czech Republic dominated a tough qualifying group.

The Austrian coach is a realist and accepts that his side have to battle hard against the powerful nations, but he has stated his intent to make a major mark on this World Cup group - hopeful that the fiercely contested 'Battles of Britain' between England, Wales and Northern Ireland will spread the points around.

Krankl has never pitted his national side against England, but he will remember with some discomfort coming up against the Three Lions as a player for the first and last time.

The striker was earning just his second cap when he featured in a friendly at Wembley in 1973 as Austria suffered a 7-0 defeat.

A similar scoreline in the forthcoming clash in Vienna is highly unlikely, but any victory would be warmly welcomed by Sven-Goran Eriksson.

Hans Krankl Factfile

Nationality: Austrian (69 caps, 34 goals)
Date of Birth: 14 February 1953
Place of Birth: Vienna
Height: 182 cm
Weight: 77 kg

Year

Club

Apps

Goals

1970/71

Rapid Vienna

4

0

1971/72

Wiener Athletic Club

26

27

1972/73

Rapid Vienna

30

14

1973/74

Rapid Vienna

32

36

1974/75

Rapid Vienna

33

17

1975/76

Rapid Vienna

35

20

1976/77

Rapid Vienna

35

32

1977/78

Rapid Vienna

36

41

1978/79

Barcelona

30

29

1979/80

Barcelona

9

2

1979/80

Rapid Vienna

17

13

1980/81

Barcelona

7

3

1980/81

Rapid Vienna

18

16

1981/82

Rapid Vienna

32

19

1982/83

Rapid Vienna

26

23

1983/84

Rapid Vienna

27

17

1984/85

Rapid Vienna

25

14

1985/86

Rapid Vienna

17

18

1986/87

Wiener Athletic Club

27

20

1987/88

Wiener Athletic Club

33

20

1988/89

Kremser SC

5

1

1988/89

Austria Salzburg

14

10