A SECOND SLAUGHTER

Puskas and His Magical Magyars Destroy England 7-1

Budapest: Nep Stadium: Hungary v England:
23rd May 1954:

Proving fools never know when to stay quiet the English spoke dangerously of revenging the 6-3 Wembley massacre. But in the beautiful city of Budapest these words returned to haunt them as Ferenc Puskas and his magnificent Magyars not only repeated their breathtaking London performance, they went beyond by flooring the Three Lions 7-1.

The massacre was completed when the enchanting 'galloping Major' raced clear of a tormented English defence and fired low past Gil Merrick scoring number seven. Again the remarkable Puskas orchestrated this destruction of the fallen old masters, as the closest England's Captain Billy Wright managed to get near him was when they exchanged pleasantries beforehand.

The Magyars played as if with a point to prove, that Wembley was no fluke. Their desire to put the record straight was overwhelming and shone through in every touch, sleight of pass and mocking flick. A Second Slaughter.

England's overbearing arrogance in refusing to change tactics saw them pay a terrible price as once more they fell victim to the bewildering Hungarian pace and movement. Torn to pieces in the Budapest sunshine, seven scored so many opportunities scorned; it could easily have been ten.

The Magyars ignited forward, their intricate passing long, short, thrilling and incessantly deadly. Ferenc Puskas, Sandor Kocsis, Josef Bozsik, Zoltan Czibor and Nandor Hidegkuti produced an electrifying showing. As for England, they went home not knowing what hit them.

Struck twice by lightning Britannia no longer ruled?

The new kings resided in Budapest.

John Ludden
Cfieldsoffire@aol.com