Soccer: Paying Homage To Hungary And The Netherlands

As the soccer community mourned the loss of Ferenc Puskas a couple of years back, it seemed fitting to pay homage to the legacy of Hungarian soccer.

No matter what you called the The Golden Team that inspired several nicknames including the Magnificent, Magical, or Mighty Magyars, Hungarian soccer during the 1950s was among the most breathtaking ever to grace a soccer pitch.

Hungary burst on the international scene after they became the first team to defeat England on English soil 6-3 in 1953. They throttled the English 7-1 in the return match in Budapest. Though Hungary were a respected power during the Inter-war years - reaching the World Cup finals against Italy in 1938 - it wasn't until the 1950s did their legend become rooted in soccer folklore.

Today, we tend to recall the great Brazilian names - Garrincha and Pele come to mind - from the 1950s. Obscure Eastern European names are not exactly household names. They should be. Led by the likes of Laszlo Budai, Sandor Kocsis, Nandor Hidegkuti, Zoltan Czibor, Peter Palotas and the Galloping Major Ferenc Puskas, Hungary went on a 32-game unbeaten streak during in the early to mid-50s. A record that still stands.

However, the Hungarians fell to West Germany 3-2 at the 1954 World despite being outright favorites. It was, as we say, a massive upset. Especially considering Hungary - who were without Puskas who was injured in the match against the Germans earlier in the tournament - smashed West Germany 8-3 in round robin play.

1956 had decimated the national team as the Hungarian revolution began to exact its toll. Hungary remained a force but a mere shadow if its former self. Hungarian soccer has been in seemingly terminal decline since the 1970s.

Today, we remember the Magnificent Magyars:

• International record includes 3 gold medals; 1 silver and 1 bronze at the Olympics from 1952-72.

• Two World Cup finals (1938, 1954); two semi-finals and five quarter-finals.