Eduard "Eddie" Franz Krieger (16 December 1946 – 20 December 2019) was an Austrian professional footballer who represented his country at senior level. Best known for his steady defensive play, Krieger spent the bulk of his club career in Austria with a notable spell in the Dutch league. He earned recognition at international level and was part of Austria’s squad at the 1978 FIFA World Cup.

Club career

Krieger began his professional career with one of Austria’s leading clubs, Austria Wien, where he established himself as a reliable member of the first team. He later spent a period abroad with VVV-Venlo in the Netherlands, gaining experience in a different footballing environment, before returning to Austria to finish his playing days with LASK Linz. His club journey illustrates the common path of Austrian players of his generation who combined domestic prominence with short-term moves abroad.

International career

At international level Krieger made his debut for Austria in April 1970. Over the course of his international career he won 25 caps and did not score for the national team, reflecting his primary defensive responsibilities on the pitch. Krieger’s final appearance for Austria came in 1978. He was a member of the Austrian squad at the 1978 FIFA World Cup, a tournament remembered in Austria for the team’s famous 3–2 victory over West Germany.

  • National team debut: April 1970
  • International caps: 25
  • International goals: 0
  • World Cup: Squad member, 1978

Playing style and reputation

Krieger was typically deployed in defensive roles and earned a reputation as a dependable and disciplined team player rather than as a prolific attacker. Contemporary accounts and fan memory emphasize his consistency and the value of such players to club and country during a period when Austrian football was rebuilding its identity on the international stage.

Legacy

Although not one of the most widely celebrated stars, Krieger is remembered by supporters of his clubs and by followers of Austrian football for his steady contributions across domestic and international matches. He passed away on 20 December 2019, leaving behind recognition for a solid professional career in both Austria and the Netherlands.

Further information and career details can be found in contemporary club records and archives: Austria Wien profile, national team archive, and historical tournament summaries at World Cup records.