#european cup final 1974

[acrazybayernfan]

Football is beautiful some nights

[sons-from-adam]

Dustin Lance Black (born 1974)[1] is an American screenwriter, director, producer, and LGBT rights activist.

Tom Daley, born 1994 - OBE (Order of the British Empire)

Tom is a British diver and television personality. Specializing in multiple events, he is an Olympic gold medallist in the men’s synchronized ten-meter platform event at the 2020 Olympics and double world champion in the FINA ten-meter platform event, winning in 2009 at the age of fifteen, and again in 2017. He is an Olympic bronze medallist in the 2012 platform event, the 2016 synchronized event, and the 2020 platform event, making him the first British diver to win four Olympic medals. Daley also competes in team events, winning the inaugural mixed team World title in 2015. He is a 5-time European champion and a 4-time Commonwealth champion.

On 2 December 2013, Tom released a YouTube video announcing that he had been in a relationship with a man since early that year. He said speaking out about his private life had been a tough decision. Still, he had never felt love, which happened quickly when he met his husband, American film screenwriter, director and producer Dustin Lance Black.

One of the world’s most prominent out gay athletes, Tom is set to make his fifth Olympic appearance his summer at the Games in Paris.

His partner for this year has been named as Noah Williams, who competed with Daley for the first time at the British National Diving Cup, where the pair won gold in March.

Congratulations has been granted by Mark England to Tom who becomes the first British diver to compete at five Olympic Games.

Daley’s return to the Olympics is likely to be his last after the diver said he wanted to return one final time so his son could see him compete.

[justforbooks]

Franz Beckenbauer, who has died aged 78, was widely regarded as the best footballer Germany has ever produced. A pre-eminent figure in the world game after the second world war, he was a phenomenally innovative player who captained West Germany to a World Cup win in 1974 and later managed his country to two consecutive World Cup finals, winning the second of them in 1990 in Rome.

As a club manager he added a Bundesliga title and a Uefa Cup win to his World Cup victory at international level and as a player he won a World Cup, a European Championship, three European Cups and five Bundesliga titles in Germany. However, more than his capacity for winning, it was the elegant, intelligent nature of his play that attracted such admiration all over the world.

While he was still a teenager at Bayern Munich, Beckenbauer had become the virtual inventor of what came to be called “total football”. Watching the Milan team Internazionale on television, he was impressed by the attacking forays of their big left-back, Giacinto Facchetti. He asked himself why a defender might not attack from a central role as well as from the flanks, and thus became Bayern’s attacking libero. It was a role that became the cornerstone of the total football practised by Bayern and their great Dutch rivals, Ajax, in the early 1970s.

Captained by Beckenbauer – a tall, erect figure always ready to sweep out of defence – Bayern at first played second fiddle to Ajax, but eventually emulated them by winning the European Cup three times in a row, between 1974 and 1976. Before that sequence Beckenbauer had already captained an outstanding West Germany team to the European Championship title in 1972, beating the Soviet Union 3-0 in the final. Two years later he led his country to victory in the 1974 World Cup on German soil, defeating the Netherlands 2-1. He played 103 times for West Germany and appeared in 427 league matches for Bayern.

Franz was born to Antonie (nee Huphauf) and Franz Sr, a postal worker in the Munich suburb of Giesing, near the stadium where he would make his name. By the age of eight he was already regarded as a technically accomplished player, even in a city where footballers and football proliferated. Munich 1860 was the club he favoured; Bayern Munich, where he would later excel, were small beer at the time; an upstart by comparison.

However, Munich 1860’s loss would be Bayern’s gain. In 1958 he was playing for the junior team of a little local club, SC 1906, which actually closed that year, and expected to join 1860. “But in the last game we played for SC 1906 against 1860,” he related, “a half-back gave me a slap. That was enough for me. 1860 would never get me. And so Bayern took me into its ranks.” Beckenbauer was, with rare exceptions, always a sporting player, who declared that he would rather be fouled and leave the field than commit a foul himself.

He made his debut for Bayern Munich in 1964 – when they were in the German second division – and in his first season helped them gain promotion to the Bundesliga.

Thereafter Bayern rapidly became a major force both at home and in Europe, winning the German Cup in 1966–67 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1967 (against Rangers). Beckenbauer was made team captain for the 1968–69 season and led the club to its first league title that year, subsequently winning three league championships in a row from 1972 to 1974 and that hat-trick of European Cup wins in 1974-76.

Under his leadership (he was nicknamed the Kaiser for his commanding, almost imperious presence) the Bayern team of that era, which also featured greats such as the goalkeeper Sepp Maier and the centre-forward Gerd Müller, established itself as one of the most accomplished club sides of all time.

Beckenbauer’s first game for the national team, at the age of 21 in 1965, had come even before Bayern’s dramatic rise to prominence. He was the star member of the West Germany side in the 1966 World Cup finals, where they were runners-up in the Wembley final to England, and again in the 1970 finals in Mexico, where they finished in third place.

Helmut Schön, the tall, gentle West Germany team manager who was almost a father figure to Beckenbauer, for many years refused to let him play the libero role for his country. When he finally relented in 1974, West Germany won the competition and Beckenbauer lifted the trophy as captain.

All seemed set fair for a fourth World Cup campaign for Beckenbauer in Argentina in 1978, but to general surprise, and aged only 31, he retired from international football in 1977 to switch to play for New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League.

It was an unusual move after almost 15 years at the highest level of the game with Bayern, but the contract was lucrative and enormous crowds came to see him play with Pelé and other stars at the Giants Stadium, New Jersey.

In his four seasons with the Cosmos the team won the national Soccer Bowl on three occasions (1977, 1978 and 1980). “I’ve done everything in my life – championships for Bayern Munich and the World Cup for Germany – but the New York Cosmos was the best time of my life,” he said. “At Munich it was all German players; at the Cosmos it was 14 nationalities and Pelé.”

He returned to Germany to play for Hamburg (1980-82), where he picked up another Bundesliga winners’ medal at the end of the 1981-82 season before going back to the US for one final campaign with the Cosmos in 1983 and then retiring. In his career in domestic leagues he had made 587 appearances and scored 81 goals.

When Beckenbauer retired he seemed to have no ambition to go into management, so it was a surprise that in 1984 he agreed to manage West Germany in succession to Jupp Derwall. Never before had a West Germany manager been appointed who had not come through the exhaustive qualifying programme of the German football association, one which involved not only the passing of examinations but the running of minor clubs.

In appointing Beckenbauer, the German authorities were abandoning firm principle in the hope that his immense prestige and authority would prevail; and they were not disappointed.

The team he inherited was in the doldrums, yet at the 1986 Mexico World Cup, suitably inspired, they reached a final in which they were plainly inferior to an Argentina team that went into a 2-0 lead, only for the Germans to fight back, catch them up, and then lose 3-2. Four years later, in a grisly final in Rome, Germany had their revenge, beating Argentina 1-0 with a penalty by Andreas Brehme.

Shortly afterwards Beckenbauer resigned his position to became technical director of the French club Marseille on a two-year contract worth nearly £500,000, taking a German physical trainer with him. But for once his writ did not run. The French players were unhappy with the training regime and Beckenbauer withdrew after just four months.

He was far happier when he returned to Bayern Munich to serve as manager over two short spells – in 1993-94 and in 1996 – during which time he collected two further honours, the Bundesliga title in 1994 and the Uefa Cup in 1996. Thereafter he was president of the club for two years.

In 1998 he became vice-president of the German football association and at the end of the 90s headed the successful bid by Germany to host the 2006 World Cup, chairing the subsequent organising committee. He was named honorary president of Bayern Munich in 2009, a position he held until his death.

His son, Thomas, with Ingrid Grönke was born in 1963. In 1966 he married Brigitte Wittmann. They had two sons, Michael and Stephan. Following their divorce in 1990, he married Sybille Weimer; they divorced in 2004. With his third wife, Heidi Burmester, he had two children, Noel and Francesca. Stephan, who was also a footballer and played for Bayern Munich, died in 2015. Franz leaves Heidi and his four other children.

🔔 Franz Anton Beckenbauer, footballer, born 11 September 1945; died 7 January 2024

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at Just for Books…?

[blackswaneuroparedux]

From my point of view, what's beautiful in the sport is that you don't need to know too much about tactics or anything to see. If you find something beautiful, you don't need to be an expert to know it. It's like ballet… The reason it was nicknamed 'ginga' was that normally, when we'd play against a European team…back then, the European teams were very tough and physical. They were big, and defensively solid... There were some in Brazil who thought we should make that our football culture. We would say, 'We want to dance. We want to ginga. Football is not about fighting to the death. You have to play beautifully.' And so we did, and that's the reason that Brazil created more of a show, more of a ballet… The ambition should always be to play an elegant game.

- Pelé (Edson Arantes do Nascimento)

Pelé was born on Oct. 23, 1940, his father was a professional soccer player in their native Brazil. Pelé — who was given his nickname by childhood friends because of the way he mispronounced his favourite soccer player goalkeeper Bilé  - honed his craft playing futsal (or indoor soccer) in Bauru, the region within São Paulo, where Pelé grew up.

In 1956, at only the age of 15, Pelé tried out for the Santos FC professional club near São Paulo. He soon signed a contract with the team and made his professional debut on Sept. 7, 1956. In the Brazilian press, Pelé was instantly hailed as a star, with the forward leading the league in scoring as a 16-year-old in 1957. The following year, Pelé joined the Brazilian national team for the 1958 World Cup, delivering a performance that would make him a global star and earn him the nickname “O Rei,” or “The King.”

Pelé’s dominance continued through the Sixties as his Santos team won six championships in the Brazilian league over the course of that decade, while Brazil also won the World Cup in 1962 and 1970, with Pelé winning the Golden Ball for best player at the latter tournament. In his 19 seasons at Santos, spanning from 1956 to 1974 and roughly 660 games, Pelé scored a record-shattering 643 goals.

In 1975, Pelé helped ignite interest in “the Beautiful Game” - a phrase he in part popularised for the sport, inspired by his own majestic style of play — in the U.S., a country seemingly culturally impervious to soccer’s charms: The American team failed to even qualify for the World Cup between 1954 to 1986. Following nearly two decades at Santos and a brief retirement, Pelé signed with the New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League.

Pelé’s mere presence helped the Cosmos reach record attendances, and the sport itself gained public awareness otherwise unheard of stateside. He spent three years with the Cosmos, culminating in a Soccer Bowl championship with the Cosmos in 1977. That same year, Pelé played his final game as a pro as the Cosmos hosted his former longtime team, Santos, for an exhibition match at a sold-out Giants Stadium, with Pelé playing for both teams during the game. In the near half-century following his retirement, Pelé became one of soccer’s greatest ambassadors, continuing his push to keep the “Beautiful Game” on the forefront of the world stage. He starred in soccer-related movies — 1981’s Escape to Victory and 1986’s Hotshot — and teamed with Brazilian musician Sergio Mendes on the soundtrack to a 1977 documentary about his life. He received an honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth as well as every other possible soccer-related accolade, from the FIFA Order of Merit to the FIFA Player of the Century to a spot on TIme’s 100 Most Important People of the 20th Century list.

The debate over his status as the all-time No.1 is almost unresolvable, with Lionel Messi the only player to match him in Ballon d'Or awards, and the Argentine and Cristiano Ronaldo also leading him in the all-time goal race. But you can judge Pelé’s greatness by what his footballing peers - legendary players in their own time. “The best player ever? Pelé. (Lionel) Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are both great players with specific qualities, but Pelé was better.” said Alfredo Di Stefano, the late and great Argentine star for Real Madrid. Ferenc Puskas, the legendary Hungarian footballer disagreed, “The greatest player in history was Di Stefano. I refuse to classify Pelé as a player. He was above that.” For Franz Beckenbauer, he said of Pelé “He is the most complete player I ever saw.”Rarely do the Germans see eye to eye with the Dutch such is their footballing rivalry, but for the late great Johann Cruyff, “Pelé was the only footballer who surpassed the boundaries of logic.”.

Even Ronaldo, the only player on the same level as Lionel Messi in the modern game, put the debate to rest when he declared, “Pelé is the greatest player in football history, and there will only be one Pelé in the world.”

RIP King Pelé (1940-2022)

[calciopics]

Just Fontaine (1933-2023)

Just Fontaine, a “monument of French football” who in 1958 scored a record 13 goals in a single edition of the World Cup, has died aged 89. The striker scored 30 goals in 21 internationals for France between 1953 and 1960, but he will always be remembered for the mark he set in Sweden, when he was instrumental in Les Bleus reaching the semi-finals.

In his club career, Fontaine’s strike rate was as impressive. He scored 259 goals from 283 matches and was one of the key players of the great Stade de Reims team who reached the European Cup final in 1959. Reims, who won three French top flight titles with Fontaine between 1958 and 1962, lost 2-0 to Real Madrid but he was the competition’s top scorer with 10 goals.

His death was announced by Paris Saint-Germain, who he managed between 1973 and 1976, leading them to promotion back to Ligue 1 in 1974. PSG described Fontaine as a “monument of French football”.

Born in Morocco in 1933, Fontaine started out at USM Casablanca before joining Nice in 1953. He moved on to Reims three years later.

Fontaine scored a hat-trick against Paraguay in France’s opening group game at the 1958 World Cup finals, two against Yugoslavia and one against Scotland. He also grabbed two in France’s 4-0 quarter-final win over Northern Ireland and drew them level in their semi-final against Brazil.

However, the eventual winners from South America – inspired by a 17-year-old Pelé who hit a second-half hat-trick – ran out 5-2 winners. Fontaine smashed four past West Germany in the third-place playoff match, which France won 6-3.

His 13 goals place him joint-fourth in the all-time men’s World Cup top-scorer charts, alongside Argentina’s Lionel Messi who needed five finals to reach that total.

The France coach, Didier Deschamps, said: “The death of Just Fontaine saddens me, as it will inevitably sadden all those who love football and our national team. ‘Justo’ is, and will remain, a legend of the team.

“‘Justo’ was a man of great kindness, very respectful of the generations who succeeded him with Les Bleus. His attachment to the France team was strong and sincere. I extend my thoughts to his family, his loved ones and all our great elders today in pain.”

[attari786]

Franz Beckenbauer: German football legend dies aged 78

German legend Franz Beckenbauer, widely regarded as one of football's greatest players, has died aged 78.

He won the World Cup as captain of West Germany in 1974 and lifted the trophy again as manager in 1990.

Beckenbauer, who was primarily a defender, played 582 times for Bayern Munich and won the German top flight as both as a player and a manager.

Nicknamed 'Der Kaiser', as a player he also won the European Championship in 1972, as well as the Ballon d'Or twice.

A statement from his family to German news agency DPA read: "It is with deep sadness that we announce that my husband and our father, Franz Beckenbauer, passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday, Sunday, surrounded by his family.

"We ask that you allow us to grieve in silence and refrain from asking any questions."

Latest tributes and reaction

Bayern, Germany's most successful club, said: "The world of FC Bayern is no longer what it used to be - suddenly darker, quieter, poorer.".

They added that without Beckenbauer "Bayern would never have become the club it is today".

Playing as a midfielder, Beckenbauer man-marked Sir Bobby Charlton in the 1966 World Cup final, which England won 4-2, before shifting to his iconic position as a defensive sweeper.

He also scored four goals at the 1966 World Cup, aged just 20, and won the award for the tournament's best young player.

He went on to play 103 times for West Germany.

FOR MORE DETAIL CLICK HERE

LINK 1 LINK 2

FOR VIDEO CLICK HERE

[blackjewels5]

Pelé - Titles & achievements

▪︎Pele, is the only player in history to win three World Cups. He became an icon of the game after winning the World Cup in 1958 as a 17-year-old, netting twice in the final to defeat hosts Sweden.

▪︎Pelé’s stardom grew throughout the 1960s. Legend says the two factions of the Nigerian Civil War decided upon a 48-hour ceasefire so that they could watch Pelé during an exhibition match in Lagos.

▪︎After signing for Santos, Pelé became the leading goal scorer in the Brazilian club’s history. He also led them to the 1962 and 1963 Copa Libertadores titles.

▪︎The superstar received a number of offers from European clubs but Brazilian President Jânio Quadros declared him a national treasure making it difficult for him to ply his trade in another country.

▪︎In 1975, Pelé agreed to a $7 million contract with the New York Cosmos for a year and made the NASL a big attraction.

▪︎Pelé has two Guinness Book of World Records in his name. He is the only footballer to have won the FIFA World Cup on three occasions. The second record was for scoring the most number of career goals in football. He scored 1283 career goals in 1363 games.

▪︎Pelé has scored a record 92 hat tricks in his career.

▪︎Retirement: Pelé first announced his retirement from football in 1974 but then returned to play for New York Cosmos in 1975. He played his final exhibition game in a game between New York and Santos in October 1977, a game in which he played for both sides.

▪︎After retirement, Pelé was appointed as Minister of Sport in Brazil in 1995 and served till 1998.

▪︎He is a global ambassador for soccer and other humanitarian causes.

Rip The King Of Football.

[hellopanda69]

Sejarah Liga Champions: Perjalanan Klub Legendaris

Liga Champions UEFA (UEFA Champions League) adalah salah satu kompetisi sepak bola paling bergengsi di dunia. Turnamen ini telah menjadi panggung di mana klub-klub terbaik dari Eropa berkompetisi untuk meraih trofi supremasi. Seiring berjalannya waktu, Liga Champions tidak hanya menjadi ajang adu strategi, tetapi juga saksi dari perjalanan klub-klub legendaris yang mencatatkan sejarah tak terlupakan. Berikut adalah ulasan sejarah singkat dan perjalanan beberapa klub legendaris yang telah meninggalkan jejak mendalam di kompetisi ini.

Awal Mula Liga Champions

Liga Champions UEFA pertama kali didirikan pada tahun 1955 dengan nama European Champion Clubs' Cup atau Piala Champions Eropa. Pada awalnya, hanya juara liga dari setiap negara yang diizinkan untuk berpartisipasi. Namun, seiring perkembangan kompetisi, formatnya berubah menjadi Liga Champions seperti yang kita kenal sekarang pada tahun 1992, memungkinkan klub-klub dari posisi teratas liga-liga top Eropa untuk berpartisipasi.

Sejak kelahirannya, Liga Champions telah menjadi ajang pertemuan raksasa-raksasa sepak bola dari seluruh Eropa, dengan sejumlah klub yang berhasil meraih status legendaris melalui prestasi mereka di kompetisi ini.

Real Madrid: Raja Liga Champions

Tidak dapat dipungkiri bahwa Real Madrid adalah klub paling sukses dalam sejarah Liga Champions. Klub asal Spanyol ini memiliki hubungan yang sangat erat dengan kompetisi ini, setelah memenangkan trofi 14 kali hingga 2023. Dominasi Real Madrid dimulai pada tahun-tahun awal Liga Champions, ketika mereka memenangkan lima gelar berturut-turut dari 1956 hingga 1960 di era Alfredo Di Stéfano dan Ferenc Puskás.

Kebangkitan Real Madrid berlanjut di era modern, dengan tiga gelar berturut-turut dari 2016 hingga 2018, dipimpin oleh pelatih Zinedine Zidane dan pemain bintang Cristiano Ronaldo. Prestasi ini menjadikan Real Madrid sebagai klub yang paling banyak memenangkan gelar Liga Champions dan simbol kejayaan kompetisi ini.

AC Milan: Kekuatan Italia di Panggung Eropa

AC Milan adalah klub lain yang memiliki sejarah panjang di Liga Champions. Dengan 7 trofi, Milan menjadi klub dengan gelar Liga Champions terbanyak kedua setelah Real Madrid. Era kejayaan Milan di kompetisi ini terutama terjadi pada 1980-an dan 1990-an, di bawah kepelatihan Arrigo Sacchi dan kemudian Fabio Capello.

Generasi pemain seperti Paolo Maldini, Marco van Basten, dan Frank Rijkaard membawa Milan ke puncak kejayaan Eropa, termasuk memenangkan gelar pada tahun 1989 dan 1990 secara berturut-turut. Mereka juga berhasil menambah koleksi trofi pada 2003 dan 2007 di bawah manajer Carlo Ancelotti.

Liverpool: The Reds dan Malam-Malam Eropa yang Memukau

Liverpool FC juga menjadi klub yang selalu diingat ketika berbicara tentang Liga Champions. Klub asal Inggris ini telah memenangkan 6 gelar, dengan kemenangan terakhir mereka diraih pada 2019 di bawah manajer Jürgen Klopp.

Salah satu momen paling legendaris dalam sejarah kompetisi ini terjadi pada final 2005 di Istanbul, di mana Liverpool menghadapi AC Milan. Meski tertinggal 0-3 di babak pertama, Liverpool berhasil menyamakan kedudukan menjadi 3-3 dan akhirnya menang melalui adu penalti. Ini dikenal sebagai "The Miracle of Istanbul" dan menjadi salah satu final Liga Champions paling dramatis dalam sejarah.

Bayern Munich: Dominasi Jerman

Bayern Munich adalah raksasa Jerman yang juga memiliki catatan gemilang di Liga Champions. Bayern telah memenangkan 6 gelar hingga 2020, termasuk kemenangan pada tahun 2020 di mana mereka meraih treble (Bundesliga, Piala DFB, dan Liga Champions) di bawah manajer Hansi Flick.

Bayern juga dikenal dengan dominasi mereka pada 1970-an, ketika mereka memenangkan tiga gelar Liga Champions berturut-turut dari 1974 hingga 1976 dengan tim yang dihuni oleh legenda seperti Franz Beckenbauer dan Gerd Müller. Kekuatan dan konsistensi Bayern di Liga Champions membuat mereka menjadi salah satu klub yang selalu difavoritkan di setiap musim kompetisi.

Barcelona: Era Kejayaan Messi dan Tiki-Taka

FC Barcelona telah memenangkan 5 gelar Liga Champions, dan salah satu periode paling sukses mereka adalah di bawah pelatih Pep Guardiola pada akhir 2000-an dan awal 2010-an. Di era Lionel Messi, Barcelona menerapkan gaya permainan tiki-taka, yang menekankan pada penguasaan bola dan umpan pendek cepat.

Barcelona memenangkan Liga Champions pada 2006, 2009, 2011, dan 2015, dengan tim yang dianggap sebagai salah satu yang terbaik dalam sejarah sepak bola. Pemain seperti Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, dan Messi sendiri menjadi simbol dominasi Barcelona di kancah Eropa.

Manchester United: Kebangkitan Inggris

Manchester United telah memenangkan 3 gelar Liga Champions, dan mereka adalah salah satu klub Inggris paling ikonik di kompetisi ini. Di bawah kepelatihan Sir Alex Ferguson, United meraih gelar Liga Champions pada 1999 dengan kemenangan dramatis atas Bayern Munich dalam final yang tak terlupakan, di mana mereka mencetak dua gol pada waktu tambahan untuk menang 2-1.

Manchester United kembali meraih trofi pada 2008 setelah mengalahkan Chelsea melalui adu penalti di final yang digelar di Moskow. Klub ini juga dikenal karena pengaruh besar Ferguson dalam membangun tim-tim yang tangguh di kancah Eropa.

Klub-Klub Lain yang Mencetak Sejarah

Selain klub-klub besar tersebut, banyak klub lain yang telah mencatatkan sejarah penting di Liga Champions, seperti:

Ajax Amsterdam yang memenangkan 4 gelar, terutama pada era Johan Cruyff dan filosofi Total Football.

Inter Milan, dengan 3 gelar, termasuk treble bersejarah pada 2010 di bawah José Mourinho.

Chelsea FC, yang memenangkan gelar pertama mereka pada 2012 dan mengulanginya pada 2021.

Kesimpulan

Liga Champions UEFA bukan hanya kompetisi sepak bola, tetapi juga pertempuran antara raksasa-raksasa Eropa yang penuh dengan sejarah dan momen legendaris. Setiap klub besar yang meraih kesuksesan di kompetisi ini telah meninggalkan jejak yang mendalam, baik melalui permainan indah, comeback dramatis, maupun dominasi mereka di lapangan. Seiring waktu, Liga Champions terus menjadi ajang yang mempertemukan klub-klub terbaik dunia untuk memperebutkan supremasi sepak bola Eropa, dengan para penggemar selalu menantikan siapa yang akan menambah cerita legendaris dalam perjalanan panjang kompetisi ini.

[dan6085]

Creating a list of the 25 greatest football managers of all time is a challenging task due to the subjective nature of the rankings, but the following names are widely recognized for their immense contributions to the game, tactical innovations, and the trophies they've won. Here’s a detailed list of some of the most revered football managers in history:

### 1. **Sir Alex Ferguson**

- **Clubs Managed:** Aberdeen, Manchester United

- **Years Active:** 1974–2013

- **Achievements:** Widely regarded as the greatest football manager of all time, Ferguson won 13 Premier League titles, 5 FA Cups, and 2 UEFA Champions League titles with Manchester United. He also led Aberdeen to break the dominance of the Old Firm in Scotland, winning the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1983.

### 2. **Rinus Michels**

- **Clubs Managed:** Ajax, Barcelona, Netherlands National Team

- **Years Active:** 1960–1992

- **Achievements:** Known as the father of "Total Football," Michels revolutionized the game with his tactical innovations. He led Ajax to a European Cup title in 1971 and the Netherlands to the World Cup final in 1974 and the European Championship in 1988.

### 3. **Arrigo Sacchi**

- **Clubs Managed:** AC Milan, Italy National Team

- **Years Active:** 1982–2001

- **Achievements:** Sacchi is credited with revolutionizing modern football tactics, particularly through his pressing and zonal marking. He won back-to-back European Cups with AC Milan in 1989 and 1990.

### 4. **Bill Shankly**

- **Clubs Managed:** Huddersfield Town, Liverpool

- **Years Active:** 1949–1974

- **Achievements:** Shankly transformed Liverpool from a struggling second division side into a dominant force in English football. He won 3 First Division titles, 2 FA Cups, and the UEFA Cup during his tenure.

### 5. **Pep Guardiola**

- **Clubs Managed:** Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Manchester City

- **Years Active:** 2007–present

- **Achievements:** Known for his tiki-taka philosophy, Guardiola has won numerous league titles with Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City. He also won two UEFA Champions League titles with Barcelona in 2009 and 2011.

### 6. **Giovanni Trapattoni**

- **Clubs Managed:** AC Milan, Juventus, Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, Italy National Team

- **Years Active:** 1974–2013

- **Achievements:** Trapattoni is one of the most successful managers in history, with seven Serie A titles, three Bundesliga titles, and a European Cup win in 1985 with Juventus.

### 7. **Carlo Ancelotti**

- **Clubs Managed:** AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich

- **Years Active:** 1995–present

- **Achievements:** Ancelotti is one of the few managers to have won the UEFA Champions League three times, twice with AC Milan (2003, 2007) and once with Real Madrid (2014). He has also won league titles in Italy, England, France, and Germany.

### 8. **Bob Paisley**

- **Clubs Managed:** Liverpool

- **Years Active:** 1974–1983

- **Achievements:** The only manager to win three European Cups (1977, 1978, 1981), Paisley also led Liverpool to six First Division titles and is remembered as one of the most successful managers in European football history.

### 9. **Johan Cruyff**

- **Clubs Managed:** Ajax, Barcelona

- **Years Active:** 1985–1996

- **Achievements:** Cruyff was instrumental in developing the philosophy of Total Football and later tiki-taka. He led Barcelona to their first European Cup win in 1992 and four consecutive La Liga titles.

### 10. **José Mourinho**

- **Clubs Managed:** Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Roma

- **Years Active:** 2000–present

- **Achievements:** Mourinho is known for his tactical acumen and ability to win trophies at every club he has managed. He won the UEFA Champions League with Porto in 2004 and Inter Milan in 2010, along with multiple league titles across different countries.

### 11. **Vicente del Bosque**

- **Clubs Managed:** Real Madrid, Spain National Team

- **Years Active:** 1987–2016

- **Achievements:** Del Bosque won the UEFA Champions League twice with Real Madrid (2000, 2002) and led Spain to victory in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012.

### 12. **Ottmar Hitzfeld**

- **Clubs Managed:** Grasshoppers, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Switzerland National Team

- **Years Active:** 1983–2014

- **Achievements:** Hitzfeld won the UEFA Champions League with both Borussia Dortmund (1997) and Bayern Munich (2001), along with seven Bundesliga titles.

### 13. **Fabio Capello**

- **Clubs Managed:** AC Milan, Real Madrid, Juventus, Roma, England National Team

- **Years Active:** 1987–2018

- **Achievements:** Capello won four Serie A titles with AC Milan, where he also led the team to a Champions League victory in 1994. He also won two La Liga titles with Real Madrid.

### 14. **Marcelo Lippi**

- **Clubs Managed:** Juventus, Inter Milan, Italy National Team, Guangzhou Evergrande

- **Years Active:** 1982–2019

- **Achievements:** Lippi led Juventus to five Serie A titles and the 1996 UEFA Champions League. He also managed Italy to victory in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

### 15. **Helmut Schön**

- **Clubs Managed:** Germany National Team

- **Years Active:** 1952–1978

- **Achievements:** Schön managed West Germany to victory in the 1974 FIFA World Cup and the 1972 UEFA European Championship. He also led the team to the World Cup final in 1966.

### 16. **Brian Clough**

- **Clubs Managed:** Derby County, Nottingham Forest

- **Years Active:** 1965–1993

- **Achievements:** Clough is famous for leading Nottingham Forest to back-to-back European Cup victories in 1979 and 1980, as well as turning Derby County into a top-flight team.

### 17. **Louis van Gaal**

- **Clubs Managed:** Ajax, Barcelona, AZ Alkmaar, Bayern Munich, Manchester United, Netherlands National Team

- **Years Active:** 1991–2022

- **Achievements:** Van Gaal won the UEFA Champions League with Ajax in 1995 and multiple league titles with Barcelona and Bayern Munich. He also led the Netherlands to third place in the 2014 World Cup.

### 18. **Ernst Happel**

- **Clubs Managed:** Feyenoord, Club Brugge, Hamburg, Austria National Team

- **Years Active:** 1962–1992

- **Achievements:** Happel is one of the few managers to win the European Cup with two different teams: Feyenoord in 1970 and Hamburg in 1983. He also won league titles in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.

### 19. **Zinedine Zidane**

- **Clubs Managed:** Real Madrid

- **Years Active:** 2016–2021

- **Achievements:** Zidane won three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid (2016, 2017, 2018), an unprecedented feat in the modern era.

### 20. **Miguel Muñoz**

- **Clubs Managed:** Real Madrid, Spain National Team

- **Years Active:** 1959–1982

- **Achievements:** Muñoz led Real Madrid to two European Cup titles (1960, 1966) and nine La Liga titles, becoming one of the club’s most successful managers.

### 21. **Jock Stein**

- **Clubs Managed:** Celtic, Scotland National Team

- **Years Active:** 1960–1985

- **Achievements:** Stein led Celtic to become the first British club to win the European Cup in 1967. He also won 10 Scottish league titles with the club.

### 22. **Helenio Herrera**

- **Clubs Managed:** Inter Milan, Barcelona, Roma

- **Years Active:** 1944–1981

- **Achievements:** Herrera is credited with developing the catenaccio system at Inter Milan, where he won two European Cups (1964, 1965) and three Serie A titles.

### 23. **Nereo Rocco**

- **Clubs Managed:** AC Milan, Torino, Triestina

- **Years Active:** 1947–1977

- **Achievements:** Rocco was another proponent of catenaccio and led AC Milan to two European Cup victories (1963, 1969) and two Serie A titles.

### 24. **Vicente Feola**

- **Clubs Managed:** Brazil National Team

- **Years Active:** 1955–1966

- **Achievements:** Feola managed Brazil to their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory in 1958, where he famously introduced the world to a young Pelé. His tactical decisions and leadership helped Brazil dominate the tournament and set the stage for future successes.

### 25. **Valeriy Lobanovskyi**

- **Clubs Managed:** Dynamo Kyiv, USSR National Team, Ukraine National Team

- **Years Active:** 1968–2002

- **Achievements:** Lobanovskyi was a pioneering figure in the use of data and scientific principles in football. He led Dynamo Kyiv to two UEFA Cup Winners' Cups (1975, 1986) and a UEFA Super Cup (1975). He also took the USSR to the final of the 1988 European Championship.

These managers have left an indelible mark on the game through their tactical innovations, leadership, and success on the field. Each has a unique legacy, contributing to the rich history of football in various ways. Their influence extends beyond the trophies they won, as many of their tactical approaches and philosophies continue to shape modern football.

[liamhaydn-blog]

Team of the Decade: Part 4- The 1980's

Goalkeeper- Jean-Marie Pfaff- Belgium

Pfaff began his career with Beveren where he spent 10 years before joining Bayern Munich. With Bayern he won 3 Bundesliga's in 6 years and also reached the 1987 European Cup final, losing to FC Porto. With the Belgian national team, Pfaff appeared at 2 World Cups and in the 1986 edition he was named in the team of the tournament as Belgium finished 4th, losing to a Maradona-inspired Argentina in the semis.

Pfaff was known for his excellent shot-stopping abilities aided by his rapid reflexes and acrobatic capabilities. He had a big personality on the field and was an authoritative presence commanding his penalty box, quick to fly off his line to meet attackers or else to claim crosses. Pfaff also developed a reputation for saving penalties.

Centre-Back- Franco Baresi- Italy

Franco Baresi spent his entire 20-year senior career with AC Milan, first joining the club's youth set-up as a 12-year old. He won 7 Serie A title's with the Rossoneri aswell as 3 European Cups. Baresi was made club captain aged 22 and was a part of Milan's all-Italian defence alongisde Maldini, Costacurta, Tassotti and later Panucci, which is often considered the strongest defence ever assembled. Some of Baresi's best achievements include being part of a Milan defence that conceded just 15 Serie A goals in the 93-94 campaign in which his team avoided losing all season as part of a record 58-game unbeaten run.

Baresi was a member of the Italy squad which won the 1982 World Cup but he did not feature in a World Cup match until the 1990 edition which Italy hosted, where they finished 3rd. 4 years later he captained his nation in the World Cup final against Brazil, though missed in the shootout which Italy would lose.

Baresi is considered one of the greatest defenders of all time, a world class player either at centre-half or as a sweeper due to the way he combined physicality with elegance, to be a defender who truly had it all. Defensively his reading of the game, timing of challenges, strength and intelligence made him extremely difficult to get past and then with the ball at his feet his distribution from the defence and the base of midfield allowed him to start attacks from deep. Baresi was the Balon D'or runner-up in 1989.

Centre-Back- Gaetano Scirea- Italy

After beginning his career with Atalanta, Scirea joined Juventus in 1974 and would spend the rest of his career there, winning 7 Serie A titles, the European Cup, the Cup Winners Cup and the UEFA Cup. Scirea was part of the 1982 World Cup winning team as Italy beat West Germany 3-1 in the final.

Scirea played the sweeper role for much of his career, which suited his excellent tactical and technical abilities. From that role, aswell as his defensive capabilities, his composed ability on the ball allowed him to also contribute offensively.

Centre-Back- Ronald Koeman- Netherlands

Koeman began his career with Groningen, before joining Ajax. After winning the league and the Dutch Cup there, he moved to PSV in 1986. With PSV he won the treble in 1988, helping the club to win the European Cup for the only time in their history. That summer Koeman also won the 1988 Euros with The Netherlands. Koeman then spent 6 years with Barcelona where he enjoyed even more success, as part of Cruyff's Dream Team which won 4 successive La Liga titles and its first European Cup in 1992, with Koeman scoring the games only goal in the final against Sampdoria.

Koeman is the highest scoring defender in football history, with a total of 252 goals, with a significant amount coming from penalties and free-kicks which he was adept at taking. He was best remembered for incredibly powerful long-range free-kicks, but he was just as capable at clipping or curling free-kicks in from closer range.

Defensive-Midfield- Frank Rijkaard- Netherlands

Riijkard is considered one of the best midfielders ever, mostly operating as a defensive midfielder. However due to being perhaps one of the most complete players ever he could play practically anywhere centrally, be it central defence, central midfield as a box-to-box or even as an attacking midfielder just behind the striker.

The Dutchman started his career with Ajax but would establish himself as one of the best players in the world at AC Milan where he would win 2 Serie A title's and 2 European Cups, with Rijkaard scoring the winning goal in the 1990 final against Benfica. Rijkaard then returned to Ajax where he would finish his career, winning another European Cup by beating his former club Milan in the final. At International level, Rijkaard also won the 1988 Euros with The Netherlands.

At 6 foot 3, Rijkaard was a powerful player, but for his size he also possessed excellent technical quality, which meant that when he won the ball back with his defensive brain and physicality, he could then be instantly dangerous offensively, due to his playmaking abilities from deep.

Centre-Midfield- Lothar Matthaus- Germany

Matthaus was often deployed as a box-to-box midfielder, which was the ideal position for such a complete player who was equally comfortable either bombing forward to score goals with his powerful shooting off either foot, or defending due to his positional sense and expertly timed tackling.

The German began in the Bundesliga with Monchengladbach before moving to Bayern Munich where he won multiple Bundesliga titles and reached the 1987 European Cup final which they lost to FC Porto. Matthaus then moved to Inter where he won a Serie A title and a UEFA Cup, before returning to Bayern where he won another UEFA Cup and lost another European Cup final, this time to Manchester United.

Matthaus is the most capped Germany player ever, winning 150 caps for his nation and winning the Euros in 1980 and the World Cup in 1990, 4 years after being a beaten finalist. Matthaus met Maradona and Argentina in both of those World Cup finals, and aswell battled against him in Serie A and Maradona would define him as "the best rival I ever had." Matthaus was the first outfield player to feature in 5 World Cups and won the Balon D'or award in 1990.

Centre-Midfield- Ruud Gullit- Netherlands

Gullit began his career with HFC Harlem, helping them to qualify for Europe for the first time in their history. From there he represented Feyenoord and later PSV before moving to AC Milan for a world record fee in 1987. There he would be part of a Dutch trio alongside Rijkaard and Van Basten which would help fire Milan to a glorious era with the first of 2 European Cups Gullit won with the club being secured in 1989, with Gullit scoring a brace in a 4-0 final win over Steaua Bucharest. A year earlier Gullit also scored in the 1988 Euros final, giving the Netherlands the lead against the Soviet Union, in a game the Dutch would go on to win 2-0.

At 6 foot 3, Gullit was an extremely powerful and athletic footballer, one of the best the game has seen at heading the ball, due to the height and power his leaps could generate. But Gullit was aswell so much more than just physicality, his game was also graceful and technical, with an elegant quality to his play.

Right Attacking Midfield- Zico- Brazil

Zico earned the nickname "the White Pele" with Pele himself observing that Zico was the one player who came closest to him. Zico was a creative 10, with the vision for a pass and the technical quality to execute it with him being considered one of the best passers ever. The Brazilian was also a prolific goalscorer, as clinical as a deadly striker and a free-kick specialist who remains high on the list for most free-kick goals ever.

The club mostly associated with Zico is Flamengo where he spent 16 years and won the Copa Libertadores in 1981. In between two spells with the club, Zico spent two years with Udinese in Serie A and later finished his career in Japan. With the national team Zico won 71 caps, scoring 48 goals and shone at 2 World Cups. In 1978 he and Brazil finished 3rd, but it is for the 1982 World Cup they are best remembered. Zico starred in a side which will likely forever be regarded as the best team to never lift the World Cup, as Brazil were knocked out by Italy 3-2, in one of the greatest games in the history of Football.

Number 10 position- Michel Platini- France

Despite playing as an offensive midfield player, a creative orchestrator behind a striker, Platini scored with the prolificacy of a number 9 due to being an extremely accurate finisher who did not often pass up good chances. He was also deadly from free-kicks and penalties and considered one of the best ever from those dead ball situations.

Beginning his career with Nancy, Platini scored 127 goals in 213 games for the club and won the French Cup before moving to St. Etienne where he scored 82 goals in 3 seasons and won a First Division title. Platini then spent the remaining 5 years of his career with Juventus where he won 2 Serie A titles, the Cup Winners Cup and the European Cup as the Frenchman scored the only goal in the 1985 final against Liverpool.

Platini also scored an impressive 41 goals in 72 caps for France, including 9 in 5 games at Euro 84, as Platini produced what remains to this day the best individual tournament ever at the Euros, as he scored in every game including 2 hattricks and the match winner in the semi-final against Portugal, before scoring again in a 2-0 final win over Spain. Despite lacking athleticism and physicality, Platini completely made up for such shortcomings with incredible technical ability, skill and the speed of his football brain. He won the Balon D'or 3 times consecutively between 1983 and 1985.

Left Attacking Midfield- Diego Maradona- Argentina

From the moment Diego Maradona made his debut for Argentinos Juniors 10 days before his 16th birthday, his nickname "El Pibe de Oro (the Golden Boy) was a fitting one. Growing to be only 5 foot 5 inches tall, Maradona used his diminutive height to his advantage with his low centre of gravity aiding him in being an astonishingly gifted dribbler, as quick as he was skilful. And what he lacked in height, he made up for in strength with his stocky frame helping him to ride challenges and brush defenders out of his way.

After a season with his dream club Boca Juniors, Maradona moved to FC Barcelona but after just 2 seasons he moved on again to Napoli, in doing so becoming the first player to set the world record transfer fee twice. Napoli were an unfashionable mid-table club, but with Maradona who quickly took on the role of a demigod to the people of Naples, Napoli won 2 Serie A titles and the UEFA Cup with absolutely everything running through their number 10. Maradona's demons were never far away though and his battle with drug addiction worsened, he left the club for short-lived stints with Sevilla and Newell's Old Boys before retiring at his beloved Boca Juniors.

Having narrowly missed out on making the 1978 World Cup squad, which Argentina won at home, Maradona featured at 4 World Cups. His most memorable performance came in 1986, where he carried Argentina to the trophy, scoring 5 and assisting 5 of Argentina's 14 goals. He scored what will forever be the most memorable brace in Football history in the Quarters against England. First Maradona scored the "Hand of God" goal, the most infamous goal ever as he jumped to punch the ball into the net, an action that was missed by nearby officials, and then just 4 minutes later he scored one of the greatest goals ever as he dribbled from the half-way line past any Englishman who tried to tackle him before rounding Shilton and slotting it home. Not satisfied, Maradona scored another world class brace in the Semis against Belgium, before assisting Burruchaga's winner in the final in a 3-2 win over West Germany.

Maradona will forever be considered one of the greatest footballers ever, and one of the best number 10's ever due to his dribbling, creative passing, finishing and free-kick taking ability. His dribbling in particular was at a level not seen before, and only seen since in the figure of another diminutive Argentinian number 10, Lionel Messi.

Striker- Marco Van Basten- Netherlands

Van Basten came through the ranks at Ajax, and quickly began scoring at a prolific rate in the first team, 154 goals in 174 games convinced Berlusconi to bring him to AC Milan. Van Basten helped Milan to dominate at home and on the continent, winning 2 European Cups with the Dutch striker netting a brace in the first final in 1989. A year before Van Basten lifted the Euros with the Netherlands, scoring one of the greatest goals in Football history, a stunning acrobatic volley from what appeared to be an impossible angle in the Final against the Soviet Union.

Serious injury unfortunately curtailed his career prematurely, with Van Basten playing his last match at just 28 years old. However, having netted over 300 goals the Dutchman still established himself as one of the greatest Number 9's ever. Nicknamed the "Swan of Utrecht" for his elegant style, Van Basten was one of the most complete strikers of all time. He could score all types of goals from all types of positions, having a knack for the acrobatic and a spectacular goal catalogue including a number of volleys and bicycle kicks. The power and accuracy on either foot meant that he could be deadly from outside the box and from inside his intelligent movement and heading ability meant he was always dangerous. Van Basten won the Balon D'or on 3 occasions, first winning in 1988 and then again in 1989 and 1992.

Subs:

Andreas Brehme- Germany

Brehme was an attacking full-back and one of the best left-backs of his era. He played alongside Matthaus at Bayern Munich and then Inter Milan, aswell as for the Germany national side, with Matthaus describing him as "the best player I ever played with". With West Germany, Brehme reached 2 World Cup Finals, both against Argentina losing the first and winning the second, with Brehme himself scoring the games only goal from the penalty spot in the 1990 final in Italy.

Brehme retired at Kaiserslautern, a club he'd represented earlier on his career and he finished his career in remarkable fashion helping them to lift the Bundesliga title. Brehme stood out for being truly ambidextrous, with his national team coach at the time, Franz Beckenbauer remarking "I have known him for 20 years and I still don't know if he is left or right footed." Brehme reportedly believed his right foot to be more accurate, but his left foot to be more powerful.

Kenny Dalglish- Scotland

"King Kenny" began his career with Glasgow Celtic where he scored prolifically and won a whole host of domestic honours before joining Liverpool for a British record fee. He would spend the rest of his career on Merseyside winning 6 league titles and 3 European Cups, with Dalglish scoring the only goal in the first of those finals against Club Brugge in 1978. In 1985 Dalglish became player-manager for Liverpool and gradually played less and less over the years, until his retirement in 1990.

Dalglish had the unenviable task of trying to fill the boots of Kevin Keegan at Liverpool, and most would agree he went on to surpass him forming a deadly partnership with Ian Rush, with Dalglish operating just behind him in the hole. Dalglish was the 1983 runner-up for the Balon D'or.

Karl-Heinze Rummenigge- Germany

Rumminegge won the European Cup in his first 2 seasons as a pro with Bayern Munich in the mid-70s. In the early 80's he established himself as one of the best strikers in the world, as his goals helped fire Bayern to Bundesliga titles. From there Rumminegge spent 3 years with Inter Milan before retiring in Switzerland. With the West Germany national team, Rumminegge won the Euros in 1980 and reached back-to-back finals in 1982 and 1986, though was on the losing side on both occasions.

Rumminegge won the Balon D'or in consecutive years in 1980 and 1981, and was the runner-up in 1979. A versatile forward he could play anywhere across the forward line, aswell as the main centre-forward he could also play as a winger due to his exceptional pace or as a second striker.

[brookstonalmanac]

Events 7.10 (after 1950)

1951 – Korean War: Armistice negotiations begin at Kaesong. 1962 – Telstar, the world's first communications satellite, is launched into orbit. 1966 – The Chicago Freedom Movement, co-founded by Martin Luther King Jr., holds a rally at Soldier Field in Chicago at which as many as 60,000 people attend. 1973 – The Bahamas gain full independence within the Commonwealth of Nations. 1974 – An EgyptAir Tupolev Tu-154 stalls and crashes at Cairo International Airport, killing all six people on board. 1976 – Four mercenaries (one American and three British) are executed in Angola following the Luanda Trial. 1978 – President Moktar Ould Daddah of Mauritania is ousted in a bloodless coup d'état. 1985 – The Greenpeace vessel Rainbow Warrior is bombed and sunk in Auckland harbour by French DGSE agents, killing Fernando Pereira. 1985 – An Aeroflot Tupolev Tu-154 stalls and crashes near Uchkuduk, Uzbekistan (then part of the Soviet Union), killing all 200 people on board in the USSR's worst-ever airline disaster. 1991 – The South African cricket team is readmitted into the International Cricket Council following the end of Apartheid. 1991 – Boris Yeltsin takes office as the first elected President of Russia. 1991 – A Beechcraft Model 99 crashes near Birmingham Municipal Airport (now Birmingham–Shuttlesworth International Airport) in Birmingham, Alabama, killing 13 of the 15 people on board. 1992 – In Miami, former Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega is sentenced to 40 years in prison for drug and racketeering violations. 1997 – In London, scientists report the findings of the DNA analysis of a Neanderthal skeleton which supports the "out of Africa theory" of human evolution, placing an "African Eve" at 100,000 to 200,000 years ago. 1997 – Miguel Ángel Blanco, a member of Partido Popular (Spain), is kidnapped (and later murdered) in the Basque city of Ermua by ETA members, sparking widespread protests. 1998 – Catholic Church sexual abuse cases: The Diocese of Dallas agrees to pay $23.4 million to nine former altar boys who claimed they were sexually abused by Rudolph Kos, a former priest. 1999 – In women's association football, the United States defeated China in a penalty shoot-out at the Rose Bowl near Los Angeles to win the final match of the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup. The final was watched by 90,185 spectators, which set a new world record for attendance at a women's sporting event. 2000 – EADS, the world's second-largest aerospace group is formed by the merger of Aérospatiale-Matra, DASA, and CASA. 2000 – Bashar al-Assad succeeds his father Hafez al-Assad as President of Syria. 2002 – At a Sotheby's auction, Peter Paul Rubens's painting The Massacre of the Innocents is sold for £49.5 million (US$76.2 million) to Lord Thomson. 2006 – A Pakistan International Airlines Fokker F27 Friendship crashes near Multan International Airport, killing all 45 people on board. 2007 – Erden Eruç begins the first solo human-powered circumnavigation of the world. 2008 – Former Macedonian Interior Minister Ljube Boškoski is acquitted of all war-crimes charges by a United Nations Tribunal. 2011 – Russian cruise ship Bulgaria sinks in the Volga River near Syukeyevo, Tatarstan, causing 122 deaths. 2011 – Amid widespread backlash to revelations of phone hacking, British weekly tabloid News of the World publishes its final issue and shuts down after nearly 168 years in print. 2012 – The Episcopal Church USA allows same-sex marriage. 2016 – Portugal defeats France in the UEFA Euro 2016 Final to win their first European title. 2017 – Iraqi Civil War: Mosul is declared fully liberated from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant by the government of Iraq. 2018 – A group of Thai school children and their teacher get stuck in a cave for a few days; they are all rescued but one rescuer doesn't make it. This is known as the Tham Luang cave rescue. 2019 – The last Volkswagen Beetle rolls off the line in Puebla, Mexico. The last of 5,961 "Special Edition" cars will be exhibited in a museum.

[satellite-tv-company1]

World Cup Records: Which Countries Have Made History?

The FIFA World Cup, the pinnacle of international football, is an event where nations compete with passion and skill to etch their names in history. Over the years, the tournament has seen numerous records set and broken, with countries achieving remarkable feats that resonate with fans worldwide. Dish Network, with its extensive sports coverage, has been a key player in broadcasting these historic moments to audiences far and wide. In this article, we delve into the countries that have made history in the World Cup, highlighting their records and memorable achievements.

Brazil: The Quintessential Champions

Brazil is synonymous with World Cup success. The South American nation holds the record for the most World Cup titles, having won the tournament five times (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002). Their brand of football, characterized by flair, creativity, and technical prowess, has dazzled fans for decades. Icons like Pelé, who is the only player to have won three World Cups, and Ronaldo, known for his goal-scoring exploits, have become legends of the game.

Germany: The Model of Consistency

Germany is renowned for its consistency and efficiency in the World Cup. The German national team has won the tournament four times (1954, 1974, 1990, and 2014). Germany also holds the record for the most appearances in the final, having reached this stage eight times. Their 7-1 demolition of Brazil in the 2014 semi-final is one of the most memorable matches in World Cup history, showcasing their clinical and ruthless approach to the game.

Italy: Masters of Defense

Italy, another European powerhouse, has also won the World Cup four times (1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006). Known for their defensive solidity, the Italian team has produced some of the finest defenders and goalkeepers in football history, such as Franco Baresi and Gianluigi Buffon. Their triumph in 2006 was particularly memorable, as they defeated France in a dramatic penalty shootout in the final.

Argentina: The Maradona and Messi Legacy

Argentina’s World Cup history is often associated with two of the greatest footballers of all time: Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. The Argentine national team has won the tournament twice (1978 and 1986). Maradona���s “Hand of God” goal and his subsequent solo effort against England in the 1986 quarterfinal remain etched in football folklore. Messi, despite his numerous individual accolades, is still on the quest to secure a World Cup title, with Argentina’s best recent finish being a runner-up spot in 2014.

Uruguay: The Early Dominators

Uruguay may be a small nation, but its impact on World Cup history is significant. Uruguay won the inaugural World Cup in 1930 and added another title in 1950. Their 1950 victory is particularly notable as they defeated Brazil in the final match in front of a massive crowd at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, a match famously known as the “Maracanazo.”

France: The Modern Powerhouse

France has emerged as a modern powerhouse in World Cup football. The French national team has won the tournament twice (1998 and 2018). Their 1998 victory, on home soil, was marked by a 3-0 win over Brazil in the final, with Zinedine Zidane scoring two crucial goals. In 2018, a new generation of French talent, led by Kylian Mbappé and Antoine Griezmann, secured their second title with a 4-2 victory over Croatia.

Spain: The Tiki-Taka Triumph

Spain’s dominance in international football culminated in their first World Cup victory in 2010. Known for their “tiki-taka” style of play, characterized by short passing and maintaining possession, Spain defeated the Netherlands 1-0 in the final, with Andrés Iniesta scoring the decisive goal. This victory was part of a golden era for Spanish football, which also saw them win two consecutive European Championships (2008 and 2012).

England: The Birthplace of Football

England, often regarded as the birthplace of football, won the World Cup once, in 1966. The English national team’s victory came on home soil, with a 4-2 extra-time win over West Germany in the final at Wembley Stadium. Geoff Hurst’s hat-trick in the final remains one of the most iconic performances in World Cup history.

Netherlands: The Eternal Bridesmaids

The Netherlands is known for their stylish and attacking brand of football, yet they have never won the World Cup despite reaching the final three times (1974, 1978, and 2010). The Dutch team, featuring legendary players like Johan Cruyff, has left an indelible mark on the tournament, with their innovative “Total Football” philosophy.

Other Notable Mentions

Countries like Croatia, which reached the final in 2018, and Portugal, with their star player Cristiano Ronaldo, have also made significant contributions to World Cup history. Croatia’s run to the final was remarkable for a nation with a small population, while Ronaldo continues to chase World Cup glory to cement his legacy.

Dish Network’s Role in Bringing World Cup History to Homes

Dish Network has played a crucial role in bringing these historic World Cup moments to fans across the globe. With extensive coverage, high-definition broadcasts, and expert analysis, Dish Network ensures that viewers do not miss any action from the tournament. Their commitment to sports broadcasting has helped fans connect with the excitement and drama of the World Cup, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Conclusion

The FIFA World Cup is a celebration of football that transcends borders and unites nations. Countries like Brazil, Germany, Italy, and Argentina have set records and achieved feats that have become integral to the sport’s history. Through the lens of Dish Network, fans have witnessed these moments of glory, heartbreak, and triumph. As the tournament continues to evolve, new records will be set, and new stories will be written, ensuring that the World Cup remains the ultimate stage for football excellence.

[humorous-football-shirts]

The Evolution of the World Cup: From 1930 to Today

Introduction: The FIFA World Cup is the most prestigious football tournament in the world, capturing the hearts of millions of fans every four years. Since its inception in 1930, the World Cup has undergone significant changes, evolving in format, rules, and global impact. This article explores the journey of the World Cup from its early days to its current status as a global phenomenon.

1. The Inaugural Tournament: 1930 The first FIFA World Cup was held in Uruguay in 1930, with only 13 teams participating. Uruguay, celebrating its centenary of independence, was chosen as the host country. The tournament was a groundbreaking event, marking the first time national teams competed for the title of world champions. Uruguay won the inaugural World Cup, defeating Argentina 4-2 in the final.

2. Early Years and Growing Pains: 1934-1950 The early years of the World Cup were marked by challenges, including political tensions and the impact of World War II. The 1934 and 1938 tournaments saw European dominance, with Italy winning both titles. The World Cup was suspended during the war years and resumed in 1950 in Brazil, where the famous "Maracanazo" occurred – Uruguay's stunning victory over Brazil in the final match.

3. The Birth of Modern Football: 1954-1970 The 1954 World Cup in Switzerland introduced a more structured tournament format and was the first to be televised. Hungary's "Mighty Magyars" were the favorites, but West Germany emerged victorious in a surprise win. The following decades saw the rise of legendary players like Pelé, who led Brazil to three World Cup victories (1958, 1962, and 1970), solidifying Brazil's status as a football powerhouse.

4. Expanding the Global Reach: 1974-1994 The World Cup continued to grow in popularity and global reach. The 1974 tournament in West Germany introduced a new trophy, replacing the Jules Rimet Trophy. The 1982 World Cup in Spain expanded to include 24 teams, reflecting the increasing number of competitive national teams worldwide. The 1994 World Cup in the United States was a landmark event, showcasing football's potential in new markets and setting attendance records.

5. Technological Advancements: 1998-2010 The late 1990s and early 2000s saw significant technological advancements in the World Cup. The 1998 tournament in France expanded to 32 teams, providing more opportunities for countries to compete on the world stage. Innovations in broadcasting technology brought the games to a global audience with enhanced coverage and analysis. The 2010 World Cup in South Africa was the first on the African continent, highlighting the sport's global diversity.

6. The Role of Women’s World Cup: 1991-Present The FIFA Women’s World Cup, first held in 1991, has played a crucial role in promoting women's football. The tournament has grown in prestige and popularity, with the 2019 Women's World Cup in France setting viewership records. The success of the women's tournament has paralleled the men's, contributing to the overall evolution of the World Cup as an inclusive and global event.

7. Controversies and Challenges: 2002-Present The World Cup has faced its share of controversies, from corruption scandals within FIFA to debates over hosting rights and working conditions. The 2002 World Cup, co-hosted by South Korea and Japan, was the first in Asia and marked by surprising results. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar has been scrutinized for human rights concerns, prompting discussions about the responsibilities of hosting nations.

8. Advances in Technology and VAR: 2018-Present The introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in the 2018 World Cup in Russia marked a significant shift in officiating. VAR aimed to improve decision-making accuracy and fairness, though it also sparked debates about its impact on the flow of the game. The 2018 tournament was praised for its competitive matches and high level of play, with France emerging as the champions.

9. The Future of the World Cup: 2026 and Beyond Looking ahead, the 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, expanding the tournament to 48 teams. This expansion aims to increase global participation and competitiveness. Future World Cups will likely continue to embrace technological innovations and sustainability initiatives, reflecting broader trends in sports and society.

10. The World Cup’s Cultural Impact: The World Cup's influence extends beyond football, shaping global culture and fostering international unity. The tournament provides a platform for cultural exchange, national pride, and collective celebration. The stories, emotions, and memories created by the World Cup transcend borders, making it a truly universal event.

Conclusion: From its humble beginnings in 1930 to its current status as a global spectacle, the World Cup has evolved in countless ways. Each tournament brings new stories, innovations, and challenges, reflecting the dynamic nature of football and its impact on the world. As we look forward to future World Cups, the tournament's rich history reminds us of its enduring power to inspire and unite people across the globe. Read more

[justforbooks]

John Motson: The unmistakable voice of football known simply as ‘Motty’

John Motson, who has died aged 77, was BBC television’s “voice” of football for almost half a century, commentating for Match of the Day from 1971 until his retirement in 2018 and becoming affectionately known as “Motty”.

“I remember my first game, Liverpool against Chelsea,” he recalled. “They kicked off and my heart sank because I thought, ‘What do I say now?’ I still remember the feeling. I realised I had a lot of work to do.”

Alongside the energy and passion he brought to the game, that work was evident in his trademark style of reeling off statistics written on an A4 sheet of card in felt-tip pen for each match. Motson put this “obsession” for facts and figures down to being “terrified of not knowing enough or making a mistake” in his early days. He admitted to “overdosing” on it, and gradually used less background information in his commentaries.

Nevertheless, his filing system continued to grow – as did his library of more than 500 football record books. On top of the stats, he displayed an eloquence for describing the occasion. When Liverpool were beaten 0-1 in the 1988 FA Cup final by the unfancied Wimbledon – known for the eccentric behaviour of their players and fans – he spontaneously summed up: “The Crazy Gang has beaten the Culture Club.”

Earlier, at the end of the 1977 FA Cup final, when Manchester United – captained by Martin Buchan – beat Liverpool 2-1, Motson must have been silently thrilled that it enabled him to put his research into action and say: “How fitting that a man called Buchan should be the first to ascend the 39 steps to the royal box”, recalling “ The Thirty-Nine Steps” celebrated spy novel by John Buchan.

His ability to remember every detail of each game he covered also made Motson ideal company away from the pitch. If, for example, he was asked about a Division One Southampton v Birmingham City match at the Dell in the 1973-74 season, he would not only recall the result and those booked, but describe in detail Peter Osgood’s perm and the pattern made by a set of studs on a shin.

However, he was not averse to the occasional “Colemanballs”, emulating the verbal gaffes of his fellow football commentator David Coleman, who was presenter of Match of the Day by the time he started on it himself. Among Motson’s were: “The World Cup is truly an international event”, “The goals made such a difference to the way this game went”, and “For those of you watching in black-and-white, Spurs are in the yellow strip”.

In his long career commentating on more than 2,500 televised games, Motson covered nine World Cups (1974-2006), 29 FA Cup finals (1977-2007, missing just two) and nine European Championships (1976-2008).

He stepped back from his position as the BBC’s lead commentator in 2008, saying he had thought about the forthcoming World Cup in South Africa two years later and “just didn’t feel quite up for it”. His last live commentary was the Euro 2008 final, with Spain beating Germany 1-0 in Vienna.

However, he continued commentating both for football highlights on Match of the Day and for BBC Radio 5 Live until 2018. His final TV commentary was for the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion.

Motson’s standing meant that he became part of the impersonator Rory Bremner’s repertoire of characters, complete with the sheepskin coats that became another of his trademarks on screen after he reached for one when horizontal sleet started falling during an FA Cup tie at Wycombe Wanderers’ ground in 1990.

He had them made to measure in Savile Row, central London, able to afford them on an income that he said gave him security after growing up in a family where his father’s income was “very modest”.

John was born in Salford, which was then in Lancashire, to Gwendoline (nee Harrison) and William Motson, a Methodist minister, brought up in London and educated at Culford school, near Bury St Edmonds, in Suffolk.

His father took him to a Charlton Athletic football match when he was six and, spending childhood holidays in Lincolnshire, his mother’s home county, he supported the non-League team Boston United.

As a teenager, Motson played the game himself in the Barnet Sunday League, as well as becoming a Barnet and Potters Bar youth table-tennis champion.

On leaving school, he began his career in journalism as a reporter on the Barnet Press in 1963. He then moved to the Sheffield Morning Telegraph (1967-68), where he started covering football, qualified as an FA preliminary coach and freelanced for BBC Radio Sheffield.

In 1968, he moved to BBC Radio Sport in London and was first heard nationally as presenter of Radio 4’s Saturday-evening after-match Sports Session (1969-70) before commentating on live matches for Radio 2 (1969-71).

He switched to television and Match of the Day in 1971 following Kenneth Wolstenholme’s departure – becoming TV’s youngest football commentator, aged 26.

Motson found himself describing the disaster at the Hillsborough stadium in Sheffield for the 1989 FA Cup semi-final between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool, which resulted in the deaths of 97 Liverpool fans.

During three seasons from 2001 when the BBC lost rights to Premier League highlights to ITV, Motson commentated for Radio 5 Live. On leaving the BBC in 2018, Motson commentated for talkSPORT, as well as appearing regularly as a pundit on the commercial radio station’s football shows.

Ten years earlier, reflecting on the influence of money in football, he had observed: “It’s true that the game has changed so much, and in many ways not for the better, but it is still the game. It is still beautiful and it still has the power, as few others things, to move nations and continents and, every four years, the world.”

Motson, whose autobiography, Motty: 40 Years in the Commentary Box, was published in 2009, was named the Royal Television Society’s commentator of the year in 2004 and won a Bafta special award in 2018. He was made OBE in 2001.

In 1976 he married Anne Jobling, and she survives him, with their son, Frederick.

🔔 John Walker Motson, football commentator, born 10 July 1945; died 23 February 2023

Daily inspiration. Discover more photos at http://justforbooks.tumblr.com

[xtruss]

Zagallo! 1931 — 2024

Cartoon By Carlos Latuff

Mário Jorge Lobo Zagallo (9 August 1931 – 5 January 2024) was a Brazilian Professional Football Player, Coordinator and Manager, Who Played as a Forward.

Zagallo holds the record for World Cup titles in general with four titles in total. He also holds the record for World Cup finals with six participations. He was the first person to win the FIFA World Cup as both a manager and as a player, winning the competition in 1958 and 1962 as a player and in 1970 as Manager. In addition, he won the 1994 FIFA World Cup as Assistant Manager. Zagallo also coached Brazil in 1974 (Finishing Fourth) and in 1998 (Finishing as Runners-up) and was a technical assistant in 2006. He was the first of three men, along with Germany's Franz Beckenbauer and France's Didier Deschamps to have won the World Cup as a player and as a manager, and the only one who had done it more than twice.

In 1992, Zagallo received the FIFA Order of Merit, the highest honour awarded by FIFA, for his contributions to football. He was named the 9th Greatest Manager of All Time by World Soccer Magazine in 2013. On 5 January 2024, Zagallo died at the age of 92. He was the last surviving Brazilian player who participated in the 1958 World Cup final.

Zagallo with Pelé in 1970 (Left)! Zagallo During His Playing Career (Right)!

Zagallo was born in Atalaia in the northeastern state of Alagoas on 9 August 1931. As a young man, he worked as a soldier and was deployed at the Maracanã Stadium when Uruguay defeated Brazil in the 1950 World Cup final.

Zagallo started his football career with América in 1948, and he later played for Flamengo and Botafogo. Zagallo won the World Cup as a player with Brazil in 1958 and 1962. At the time of the 1958 tournament, Zagallo was a Flamengo player, but by the 1962 event, he was with Botafogo. Zagallo won a total of 33 caps for Brazil between 1958 and 1964.

Managerial Life

Zagallo started his managerial career at Botafogo, the club he had finished his career with, managing them alongside the Brazil national team. Zagallo won the World Cup as a manager in 1970, and as assistant coach in 1994, both with Brazil. He was the first person to win the World Cup both as a player and as a manager. Winning the World Cup in 1970 at the age of 38, he is also the second youngest coach to win a World Cup, after Alberto Suppici, who won aged 31 with Uruguay in 1930.

Zagallo's Brazil team in 1970 played a 4–2–3–1 formation. The team prepared for nearly three months for the tournament, acclimatising to the heat and altitude of the Mexican summer. Zagallo said that the team won most of their games in the second half, where they scored 12 of their 19 goals as opponents tired.

At the 1974 FIFA World Cup in West Germany, Zagallo was disadvantaged by the international retirement of Pelé four years earlier, as well as injuries to Tostão and Carlos Alberto Torres, meaning that only two starting players from the 1970 final were in the squad. Additionally, the team had a lack of competitive practice due to the shelving of the Copa América between 1967 and 1975. In response to Brazil being eliminated by overly physical European sides in 1954 and 1966, Zagallo chose to play in an equally aggressive way. Brazil narrowly made it through the first group stage by one goal in goal difference over Scotland, and missed out on the final after a 2–0 loss to the Netherlands, in which Luís Pereira was sent off for a foul on Johan Neeskens. Poland then defeated Brazil in the third-place playoff.

In 1989, Zagallo was hired by the United Arab Emirates for their qualification campaign for the 1990 FIFA World Cup. He led the amateurs to an unexpected first qualification to the tournament, but left for Vasco da Gama days before the World Cup began and was replaced by Carlos Alberto Parreira.

In November 2002, Zagallo came out of retirement to coach Brazil again, following Luiz Felipe Scolari's exit after winning that year's World Cup. On 20 November, in his only game, the team won 3–2 in a friendly away to South Korea.

Personal Life

Zagallo married Alcina de Castro on 13 January 1955 at the Church of Capuchins in Rio de Janeiro. They remained together until de Castro's death on 5 November 2012.[18] Mário and Alcina had four children. He was a practicing Catholic.

Zagallo's surname was spelled Zagalo for most of his career, including by himself, until he told a reporter in the 1990s that his surname on his birth certificate was Zagallo. He was also the only Brazilian World Cup-winning forward to be known by his surname.

In July 2022, Zagallo was admitted to hospital with a respiratory infection. In August 2023, he was hospitalized for 22 days due to a urinary infection. Following a brief hospitalization in Rio de Janeiro, He Died on 5 January 2024 due to Multiple Organ Failure, resulting from the exacerbation of various pre-existing comorbidities. Zagallo was aged 92.

Zagallo in 2008

Nicknames

Zagallo was nicknamed The Professor by his players throughout his coaching career, due to his tactical awareness and commanding presence on the bench. He was also nicknamed Velho Lobo ("Old Wolf") due to his surname "Lobo", which means "Wolf".

[wamuzimedia]

Gordon McQueen, a popular TV pundit and former Man United defender, has passed away.

Gordon McQueen, a former defender for Scotland, passed away at the age of 70 after battling dementia. McQueen was diagnosed with vascular dementia in early 2021, after a 16-year playing career that included stints at St. Mirren, Leeds, and Manchester United. An assertion gave in the interest of the McQueen family said: " We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved father, grandfather, and husband. “We hope that in addition to making a lot of great football memories for his club and country, he will be remembered for the love, humor, and bravery that he brought to his career and his family life, especially during his recent health struggles. “As he bravely fought bravely against the cruel effects of dementia, our house was always a buzz of friends, family, and football. This constant support sustained him. “While we struggle to comprehend life without him, we celebrate a man who lived life to the fullest: The disease may have taken him too soon. the ultimate entertainer, the life and soul of every event, the heart and soul of every dressing room, and the most entertaining father, husband, and grandfather we could have ever wished for. “The family wishes to express our sincere gratitude to the wonderful Herriot Hospice Homecare staff for their exceptional care; the truly remarkable Marie Curie team, who supported us all until the very end; and Head for Change for the respite care and emotional support. “Finally, we send our deepest love and gratitude to our wonderful friends and family, who are a constant source of support. "You, Yvonne, Hayley, Anna, Eddie, Rudi, Etta, and Ayla, will always be in our hearts." McQueen, 6 feet 3 inches tall, was one of the best central defenders of his time, winning 30 Scotland caps between 1974 and 1981. He came to prominence in England after moving from St. Mirren to Leeds in 1972. He helped the Yorkshire club win the league title in 1973-74 and played a key role in their run to the European Cup final in 1975. McQueen, who was suspended during Leeds' final loss to Bayern Munich, signed with Manchester United in 1978 and won the FA Cup in 1983. After making his senior debut in Scotland's 1974 match against Belgium, an injury prevented him from participating in the 1978 World Cup. McQueen spent five years as coach at Middlesbrough under Bryan Robson until 2001 after retiring as a player. He also served as manager and coach at his former club, St. Mirren, for a brief period of time. After McQueen rose to fame as a Sky Sports pundit, his family learned in February 2021 that he had vascular dementia. In an interview with ITV's Good Morning Britain in April, Sky Sports host Hayley's daughter stated that McQueen's condition had been exacerbated by the repeated heading of footballs. https://twitter.com/GMB/status/1643517940946415618?t=bA02mEHmRm4DreBb3vd2iw&s=09 Read the full article