ukrainian_CA

ukrainian_CA · 17-11-2006, 14:06

One of the greatest players ever died this morning...

Hungary legend Puskas dies

The Hungary legend, nicknamed the 'Galloping Major', lost his long fight against pneumonia on Friday after spending the last two months in intensive care at a Budapest hospital.
Puskas spent nine years at Real, forming a deadly double-act with Alfredo di Stefano and winning five Spanish titles and three European Cups.
Puskas' finest hour arguably came in the 1960 European Cup final when he scored four times to help Real beat Einctracht Frankfurt 7-3 at Hampden Park.

But he will also be remembered in Britain for being part of Hungary's golden team of the 1950s - known as the 'Magical Magyars' - which became the first side to beat England at Wembley when they sent shockwaves through the game with a 6-3 victory in November 1953.

Former England international Jimmy Hill, who attended that game, was one the first to pay tribute to Puskas. 'He wasn't six foot and the most athletic footballer you've ever seen. He didn't stand out as a figure on the field except when the ball came to him. 'He had such control of it with his skill. He could make long, accurate passes and could shoot and score goals.

Puskas' international goalscoring record was truly remarkable.
In 84 matches for Hungary between 1945 and 1956, he scored 83 times, including two goals in the Magical Magyars' famous match against England.
He also starred in a subsequent 7-1 win in Budapest which saw Hungary made favourites for the 1954 World Cup.
However, an injury limited his impact in Switzerland and the Magyars lost in the final to Germany.

He won the nickname the 'Galloping Major' after serving in the Hungarian Army.
Puskas went on to enjoy unprecedented success at Real Madrid, where he and Alfredo di Stefano were the cornerstone of a succession of domestic and European glories.
He scored four goals in Real's 7-3 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in a remarkable final at Hampden Park in 1960, and won the European Cup three times in all.
He scored 512 goals in 528 matches for Real and in 1962 he took out Spanish citizenship in time to play for his adopted country at the 1962 World Cup.

He went on to manage a number of teams, the highlight of which was leading Panathinaikos to the 1971 European Cup final was in the last six years was confined to hospital with Alzheimer's disease.

512 goals in 528 matches; 83 goals in 84 caps for Hungary. Making to the World Cup final in 1954, beating future champions Germany 8-3 early on, kicking England 7-1 and 6-3 ... What a player he was!!!

17-11-2006, 14:06	#1
ukrainian_CA Registered User Join Date: 02 2006 Location: California Fave Players: Sheva, Ronaldinho, Gerrard and I	Remembering Ferenc Puskas One of the greatest players ever died this morning... Hungary legend Puskas dies The Hungary legend, nicknamed the 'Galloping Major', lost his long fight against pneumonia on Friday after spending the last two months in intensive care at a Budapest hospital. Puskas spent nine years at Real, forming a deadly double-act with Alfredo di Stefano and winning five Spanish titles and three European Cups. Puskas' finest hour arguably came in the 1960 European Cup final when he scored four times to help Real beat Einctracht Frankfurt 7-3 at Hampden Park. But he will also be remembered in Britain for being part of Hungary's golden team of the 1950s - known as the 'Magical Magyars' - which became the first side to beat England at Wembley when they sent shockwaves through the game with a 6-3 victory in November 1953. Former England international Jimmy Hill, who attended that game, was one the first to pay tribute to Puskas. 'He wasn't six foot and the most athletic footballer you've ever seen. He didn't stand out as a figure on the field except when the ball came to him. 'He had such control of it with his skill. He could make long, accurate passes and could shoot and score goals. Puskas' international goalscoring record was truly remarkable. In 84 matches for Hungary between 1945 and 1956, he scored 83 times, including two goals in the Magical Magyars' famous match against England. He also starred in a subsequent 7-1 win in Budapest which saw Hungary made favourites for the 1954 World Cup. However, an injury limited his impact in Switzerland and the Magyars lost in the final to Germany. He won the nickname the 'Galloping Major' after serving in the Hungarian Army. Puskas went on to enjoy unprecedented success at Real Madrid, where he and Alfredo di Stefano were the cornerstone of a succession of domestic and European glories. He scored four goals in Real's 7-3 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in a remarkable final at Hampden Park in 1960, and won the European Cup three times in all. He scored 512 goals in 528 matches for Real and in 1962 he took out Spanish citizenship in time to play for his adopted country at the 1962 World Cup. He went on to manage a number of teams, the highlight of which was leading Panathinaikos to the 1971 European Cup final was in the last six years was confined to hospital with Alzheimer's disease. 512 goals in 528 matches; 83 goals in 84 caps for Hungary. Making to the World Cup final in 1954, beating future champions Germany 8-3 early on, kicking England 7-1 and 6-3 ... What a player he was!!! Last edited by ukrainian_CA; 17-11-2006 at 17:20.