With less than 50 days until the start of the World Cup in Brazil, Soccer Laduma takes a look at our Top 50 World Cup moments – today number 28: Eusebio Inspires Portugal.
Mozambique-born Eusebio was one of the greatest legends in football and the star of the 1966 World Cup.
He played for his adopted country Portugal, who appeared in their first ever World Cup and were the surprise package of the tournament in England.
They started the World Cup by scoring in the first minute against 1954 finalists Hungary, which they would beat 3-1. In their second game they thrashed Bulgaria 3-0 with Eusebio scoring his first goal of the tournament – many would follow.
In their third group match, Portugal knocked out defending champions Brazil with Eusebio scoring twice in a 3-1 victory.
His best performance though came against underdogs North Korea in the quarter-final. Portugal were 3-0 down after just 25 minutes, but Eusebio inspired his country to a famous comeback.
He pulled two goals back before halftime and then scored two more after the break, before Jose Augusto sealed Portugal's final goal to secure a famous 5-3 victory.
In the semi-final Portugal lost 2-1 to eventual champions England, with Eursebio scoring his country's only goal, but leaving the pitch in tears.
Portugal won the third-place playoff against the Soviet Union 2-1 and Eusebio scored his final and ninth goal of tournament.
This still is Portugal's best ever World Cup finish and Eusebio's performances deserved him his place in our Top 50 World Cup moments.
Have you heard of the great Eusebio? Have your say in our comment section below.
