WFI‘s Adam Brandon counts down to Russia 2018 with 90 World Cup goals in 90 days, scored in the minute corresponding to the day in the countdown.
Context
Heading into the 1954 World Cup final, Hungary hadn’t been beaten for years. They were a dominant force in international football, including storming to Gold in the 1952 Olympics.
In November 1953 they had faced England at Wembley. England had never been beaten on home soil before the Mighty Magyars turned up and demolished them 6-3; a result that shook English to the core and resonated around the world.
A few months later they played England again in a warm-up game for the World Cup, the English were desperate for revenge, however the Hungarians had got even better and this time beat them by an even bigger margin.
Once the World Cup was underway, it seemed inevitable that Hungary would win it. They scored seventeen goals in two matches as they thrashed West Germany and Turkey. They battled to victory against the Brazilians in the quarters and played one of the greatest games the World Cup has ever seen against Uruguay in the semis.
A victory in extra-time against the South Americans set up a final against West Germany. They had beaten them 8-3 in the group stages although what they didn’t know was it was all part of a masterful German plan.
The Goal
Ferenc Puskás puts his nation ahead and surely on the way to lifting the Jules Rimet trophy…
What Happened Next?
18 – Helmut Rahn, West Germany v Hungary, World Cup 1954 – 90 World Cup Minutes In 90 Days
Extras
England 3 – 6 Hungary – Full Match
Ferenc Puskas – Football’s Greatest Documentary
