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Hungary went into the 1954 World Cup widely ackonowledged as the best team in the world. Hammering England 6-3 and 7-1 were two matches in a 32 game unbeaten run. This form continued and they reached the final. Narrowly beating  South Korea 9-0 on the way.

West Germany were the opponents in the final competing in their first tournament since the end of the war. They had many experienced players….and that was considered their biggest problem. They were all considered to be too too old! Despite thrashing Austria 6-1 in the semi West Germany weren’t expected to prove too much of an obstacle to Puskas and the lads on their unstoppable march to the trophy.

Expectations were entirely justified when, in the unfortunately named Wankdorf Stadium, Hungary raced into a two goal lead. Puskas, although not fully fit, scored after six minutes, the 2nd came two minutes later and all was on track. To Hungarian astonishment the West Germans responded quickly and by the 18th minute had got two goals back to level at 2-2. The game reached half time at that score despite both sides missing chance after chance. Hungary were clearly rattled by Gerrman resistance.

In the second half the ‘Magnificent Magyars’ regained their composure and piled forward in search of the winner. Resilient German defending from their aged legs and masterful goalkeeping foiled them. In the 84th minute the unthinkable happened…West Germany scored. Hungary could hardly believe it and rallied for a final push for the equaliser…and it came, or so they thought. Puskas got the ball in the net but the Welsh linesman ruled it offside. That was their final chance and West Germany had won the World Cup…one of the biggest shocks in football history.

The victory sparked a wave of national pride through West Germany, their first major celebration since the end of the war. Many have stated that the World Cup of 1954 was a huge turning point in German post war history. It was the first time the German national anthem had been played since the end of the war and motovated the nation to continue rebuilding their devastated country. But, the greatest player of the era….. Puskas… never won the World cup.