Wednesday, 8 January 2014

12 football legends who really should be household names

As dedicated football lovers, we were all fairly horrified at Eurosport Towers this morning when one of our team rocked up to work amid the howling winds and the rain with the news that his wife didn't know who Eusebio, pictured above holding a signed Brazil shirt with Pele, was. "Who is this random Eusebio chap in the news," said his missus, blissfully unaware of what the striker had contributed to the world game.
For the record, Eusebio was technically superior to most strikers of his or any generation. He helpedBenfica reach four European Cup finals, winning the tournament in 1962 and was involved in the classic final in 1968 when Benfica lost in extra time to Manchester United.
He was also key to Benfica's rise to 11 Primeira Liga titles between 1961 and 1975, scoring 633 goals in 614 matches. With Portugal, he found the net 41 time in 64 outings.
While our Portuguese flag remains at half mast today to mourn the death of a true sporting great, we decided to pick out some more players from the past who you - or your other half - may know nothing about.
We've all heard about the exploits in European football and World Cups of Pele and Diego Maradona, but what of other talents who have perhaps slipped into folklore without such recognition? We've chosen some truly special players for our list. Of course, feel free to leave your personal favourites from yesteryear in the comments section below.
Ferenc Puskas (Hugary)
One of the greatest forwards in history, Puskas netted 156 times in 180 matches for Real Madrid and captained Hungary's legendary side of 1954 who lost 3-2 to West Germany in the World Cup final. Scored 84 goals in 85 international matches for the Mighty Magyars. Like Eusebio, one of European football's greatest players.
Alfredo Di Stefano (Spain)
Described by Pele as the most complete player in history, Di Stefano is pictured here alongside Puskas after a 7-3 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the 1960 European Cup final before a 127,000 crowd at Hampden Park in Glasgow. Born in Argentina but regarded as a Spanish great, the forward helped himself to three that day. Puskas grabbed the other four.
Garrincha (Brazil)
A superb winger blessed with sublime ball skills, the Brazilian nicknamed 'little bird' helped his country win the World Cup in 1958 and 1962. Was named in the World Cup all-time side in 1994.
Luigi Riva (Italy)
Riva is the all-time top scorer for Italy losing to Pele's great Brazil side in the 1970 World Cup final in Mexico. Scored 35 times in 42 matches for his country, and helped Cagliari win their only Serie A title in 1969/70.
John Charles (Wales)
The greatest Welsh player in history, Charles could play at centre-half and centre-forward. Was never sent off in a career that saw him turn out for Leeds United and Juventus. Charles represented Wales at the 1958 World Cup finals, but was unfortunately injured before his country lost to a Pele goal in their quarter-final with Brazil.
Just Fontaine (France)
A prolific goalscorer for France, Fontaine holds the record for most goals at a World Cup finals netting 13 times at the 1958 tournament.
Zico (Brazil)
Widely regarded as the finest Brazilian player since Pele, the attacking midfielder Zico came to the fore at three World Cup finals in 1978, 1982 and 1986, but somehow failed to play in the final of the tournament.
Sir Stanley Matthews (England)
Matthews was ahead of his time in being a teetotaller. Was knighted during his playing days, and was lauded for his dribbling skills. Astonishingly, played at the top level until he was 50 with 19 years spent at Stoke and 14 with Blackpool. Won 54 caps with England turning out at the World Cup finals in 1950 and 1954.
Daniel Passarella (Argentina)
Like Maradona in 1986, the attacking central defender captained Argentina to World Cup glory. But he managed a country's expectations level to achieve the feat in Argentina in 1978. Scored 22 times in 70 matches for his country. A real threat in the air and from free-kicks, Passarella is considered South American football's greatest defender.
Lev Yashin (Soviet Union)
Regarded by many commentators as the greatest goalkeeper in the history of the game Yashin turned out for the old Soviet Union side at three World Cup finals and won the 1960 European Championship. Saved 150 penalties and kept over 270 clean sheets representing Dynamo Moscow and the Soviet Union.
Johan Neeskens (Netherlands)
The technically gifted central midfielder helped his country finish finalists at the 1974 and 1978 World Cups. After the retirement of Johan Cruyff a year earlier, was a key component of the Dutch side's run to the 1978 World Cup final where they lost 3-1 to Argentina after extra-time.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge (West Germany)
Pictured with the Bayern Munich honorary president Franz Beckenbauer above, the club's chief executive is regarded as the greatest German player since Beckenbauer. The explosive forward helped his country win the 1980 European Championship, and scored 45 goals in 95 appearances for West Germany. Twice named European footballer of the year, he is the only captain to lose two World Cup finals in 1982 to Italy and 1986 to Argentina.

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