Benfica were the top club in Europe for a period at the beginning of the 1960s, winning successive European Cups. Much of this team formed the spine of the 1966 Portugal World Cup team, who defeated holders Brazil on the way to the semi-finals before they controversially lost to hosts England. The two star men were midfielder Mario Coluna and striker Eusebio, who finished the tournament top-scorer with nine goals and is considered by some as the greatest forward of all time.
Portugal won all three games in their group, scoring nine goals in total, and eliminating holders Brazil. They then launched a famous comeback from three goals down to beat North Korea 5-3 in the last eight - Eusebio scoring four.
North Korea had stunned Italy to qualify for the quarters, and they shocked Portugal by racing into a 3-0 lead within 25 minutes. The pace of the Asians took the Portuguese by complete surprise, but eventually their inexperience told as they continued to attack when it would have been better to manage their advantage. Eusebio's brilliance pulled it back to 3-2 before half time, and three more goals in the second half - the final one by Jose Augusto - completed a famous comeback. The two teams will meet again this World Cup.
In Image: Portuguese ex-footballer Eusebio da Silva Fereira (L) looks at his UEFA President's Award after receiving it from UEFA's president Michel Platini (R) of France during the break of the Benfica vs Hertha Europa League qualifying footbal match at Luz Stadium in Lisbon on February 23, 2010.
World Cup Comment 2010: How Well Have Spain's World Cup Preparations Been? | World Cup 2010 Comment: Can An African Team Win The World Cup?
Powered by: Goal.com