Austria had a team whose quality and verve sent shockwaves throughout Europe in the 1930s. Wunderteam founder Hugo Meisl is often compared to the great Hungarian team of 1950 and the great Brazilian team of 1970 as the father of this Wunderteam. As the Austrian Football Association’s general secretary during the 1920s and 1930s and … Read more
Having played in three World Cups over the course of his 16-year career, Marc Wilmots epitomizes the fine crop of Belgian talent that succeeded the legendary Mexico 1986 squad. Although he proved to be a divisive figure before retiring at the age of 34, he was an icon of Belgian football during the 1990s. Following … Read more
Ioan Lupescu was and remains one of Romania’s best-known and most successful soccer players. The attacking midfielder represented his country at two FIFA World Cup finals (1990 and 1994) and two UEFA European championships (1996 and 2000). In addition to playing for Dinamo Bucharest and Bayer Leverkusen, Ioan Lupescu played for the likes of Borussia … Read more
Toni Polster joined the History Of Soccer team for an exclusive interview to look back at his glittering career, and he still looked as confident and composed as he was in front of goal during his playing days. In his long career as a goal scorer Toni, known to fans as ‘Twin Pack Toni’ because … Read more
The name Lily Parr, who played football, may be familiar to people. Most people do not know her story or influence, or, more importantly, how it pertains to the story of women’s soccer. Born in St. Helens in 1905, Lily Parr was a striking figure and a remarkable woman who led a remarkable life. With … Read more
Jimmy Payne (James Bolcherson Payne) Born: Bootle, Liverpool, 10 March 1926. Died: Kendal, Cumbria, 22 January 2013. Clubs: Liverpool (Nov 1944 to Apr 1956): FL 224 Appearances, 43 goals, FA Cup runners-up medal (1950) Everton (Apr 1956 to cs. 1957): 5 Appearances Senior Debut: Liverpool vs. Bolton Wanderers, 11 September 1948 Despite most of his … Read more
The 2010 USA World Cup roster was feeling quite confident leading into the tournament. They had previously defeated Spain in the Confederations Cup the year before and had no issues qualifying for the first World Cup being held in Africa. In their first match against arch-rivals England, they drew 1-1- thanks to a Clint Dempsey … Read more
The image of Stuart Pearce’s reaction to scoring the penalty that won England the shootout victory over Spain comes to mind when we mention Stuart Pearce’s name. During his 19-year professional career, he earned the nickname of ‘Psycho’ for his constant, heart-pounding displays on the field. Pearce, however, is most remembered outside English shores, particularly … Read more
Djalma Santos is regarded by many as the best right-back ever in the history of soccer. He was a FIFA World Cup winner with Brazil in Sweden in 1958 and Chile in 1962. Twice a Rio-Sao Paulo Tournament winner with Portuguesa, Djalma Santos, would later shine in the great Palmeiras side of the 1960s. This … Read more
Pelé is widely recognized as the greatest soccer player the world has ever seen, yet he played in just a handful of games in England and never at the country’s home of football, Wembley Stadium. A total of six club games for Santos and two internationals for Brazil represents his English experience. Except for an … Read more