People

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

Francisco Varallo was the last surviving player from the 1930 World Cup who died at 100 years old in 2010. Known as Pancho, he played for the Argentine national team from 1930 to 1937 and was a member of Argentina’s squad at the inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930. With 194 career goals in only … Read more

In a brilliant four-year period, Vittorio Pozzo led the Italian national team to two FIFA World Cups and an Olympic gold medal, establishing himself as one of the greatest coaching figures in soccer history. Il Vecchio Maestro (‘the old master’) built a side considered mainly on par with any in the first half of the … Read more

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

Cristian Benitez was one of Ecuador’s leading players at 27 years old when he passed away in Qatar in 2013 from a cardiorespiratory arrest while playing club soccer for El Jaish SC. The gifted frontman, popularly known as Chucho, died after his first game for Qatari club El-Jaish SC, having just finished top scorer as … Read more

The trajectory of a young player’s career is often a result of potential and determination, and sometimes it is at the mercy of pure luck. For example, when Cristiano Ronaldo was part of Sporting’s youth system, it was evident that he had talent. Still, nobody, not even his coach, could have foreseen him developing into … Read more