Karl Koller (9 February 1929 – 24 January 2009) was an Austrian football player. He is considered one of the best Austrian midfielders. He played during his professional carrer only for First Vienna FC. The national player completed 86 games for the team with 5 goals and took part in two World Cups. He is regarded, behind Ernst Ocwirk and Gerhard Hanappi, as one of the best Austrian midfielders of all time and was rated as one of the best 100 European footballers of the 20th century by the IFFHS. Normally a center midfielder, Koller was capable in both in defense and attack and was well known for technique, strength and powerful shot from distance.
Career
Karl Koller began his football career with ASK Blumau. 1949 he went to First Vienna FC where he made his championship debut in 1949. Througout his professional career he played for this club. He played 414 league matches for Vienna and scored 39 goals. Overall he played 836 matches and scored 101 goals. In 1955 he became Austrian Champion and 1961 they played in the Cup final which they lost 3-1 versus SK Rapid .
International career
He debuted on 23 March 1953 against Belgium (2-0). He went to the World Cup as one of the regulars for the midfield. Together with the Austrian Ernst Ocwirk he formed the Austrian midfield. Karl Koller played in all matches.
In the 1958 FIFA World Cup the team failed in the group stage. In the 2-2 draw versus England shot one of his five goals for the team
Karl Koller's career in the team ended when they failed to qualify for the 1966 World Cup. His last international match was on 5 September 1965 versus Hungary.
.jpg)
