The recent history of Russian football has been steady
Authentic Tuukka Rask Jersey , if somewhat unremarkable. Russian clubs did experience some success in Europe in the late 2000s. Furthermore, the national
team has consistently qualified for major tournaments, even becoming the dark
horses of Euro 2008.
However, as Russia showed at Euro 2016 this summer, they look a long way from actually challenging for honours. In this regard, they live in the shadow of
their Soviet predecessors.
The ‘Red Army’, as they were known, experienced their pinnacle in 1960, when they won the inaugural European Championships. In doing so, they carved their
names into Russian footballing history. Generations have tried and failed to
emulate them since.
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The brilliant quartet
The core of the team that propelled the Soviet Union to European glory emerged in the 1950s. They seemed to mirror the new brash, confident nature of
the nation. The USSR had emerged victorious from WWII and cemented its place as
a global superpower. Furthermore, after the turmoil of the war, and death of
repressive dictator Joseph Stalin, the Soviet public were hungry for new
pursuits and icons. An emerging football culture developed
Seahawks Michael Dickson Jersey , and with it, a talented generation of players.
Most famous amongst this ‘golden generation’ was goalkeeper Lev Yashin. Born in Moscow in 1929, he came from a family of industrial labourers and worked in a
munitions factory during the war. Playing for the factory team, he was spotted
by Dynamo Moscow. By 1950, he was a regular for the club, and by 1954 he was the
Soviet Union’s first choice keeper. It was four years later, though, that the
world came to learn of his brilliance. He was a sensation at the 1958 World Cup,
where he earned plaudits for his flawless performances, athleticism, and
spectacular saves. Appearing in his imposing all-black kit, he was dubbed the
‘black spider’.
Yashin is widely regarded as the first truly modern goalkeeper. At a time when keepers were little more than spectators in the game, Yashin pioneered
techniques that allowed him to command his penalty area. He was amongst the
first to punch the ball rather than attempting to catch it, come out of goal to
confront opposition players in one-on-one situations
Authentic Rashaan Gaulden Jersey , and launch counter-attacks by swiftly distributing the ball up-field. Furthermore, he strictly marshalled and
organized his defenders. His legacy is clear, and to this day he holds the
honour of being the only goalkeeper to win the Ballon d'Or.
The second component of this successful team was the versatile midfielder Igor Netto, who captained the side from 1954 to 1963. A gentle and well-liked
figure off the pitch, he was a natural leader on it. Netto plied his trade at
Spartak Moscow, who were famous for their short-passing, possession based
football. This was a style that Netto imprinted on the national team,
orchestrating the side with his excellent vision and technical ability.
Yashin and Netto were joined by two gifted forwards: Valentin Ivanov and Viktor Ponedelnik. Noted for his dribbling ability, Ivanov was a talisman for
Torpedo Moscow, where he scored 124 goals in 286 appearances. He was equally
clinical on the international level, scoring 26 goals in 59 games for the USSR,
and winning the 1962 World Cup golden boot. His striking partner, Viktor
Ponedelnik, was even more prolific. The Rostov-on-Don striker scored 20 times in
29 caps before his career was ended prematurely by injuries.
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Triumph in Paris
Yashin
Authentic Bartolo Colon Jersey , Netto, Ivanov, and Ponedelnik formed the spine of the team that achieved European glory in 1960. They had already
experienced some success, winning gold at the 1956 Olympics (albeit against
amateur teams).
The 1960 European Nations’ Cup, as it was then known, was the first international tournament organized for the continent. Initially, early rounds
were played home and away in a two-legged knockout format, with the semi-finals
and finals being hosted in France. Only seventeen teams entered in 1960, and the
Soviet Union was aided by the absences of England, Italy, and West Germany.
The Soviet Union started their campaign with a qualifying play-off against Warsaw-pact counterparts Hungary. The once feared Hungarian team were well past
their peak, and Soviets eased their way to a 4-1 victory over two legs.
This set up a quarter-final clash with Spain. However, Cold War politics prevented the match from taking place. 21 years earlier, the Soviet Union had
intervened in the Spanish Civil War on the side of the left-wing Republic.
General Franco
Authentic Weston Richburg Jersey , Spain’s military dictator, had led the opposing side during that bitter conflict. Relations remained toxic, and Franco
forbid the Spanish side from making the journey to Moscow.
This gave the Soviets a bye into the semis in France. They met a talented Czechoslovakian side in Marseille. Czechoslovakia boasted world class talents
such as the midfield maestro Josef Masopust, and they had demolished Ireland and
Denmark to get to this stage. However, on this occasion they were no match for
the Soviet Union. Ivanov was in sensational form, scoring a brace in the match.
The victory was confirmed by a 66th-minute strike from Ponedelnik, making it
3-0.
The Soviet Union then travelled to Paris for the final. Awaiting them was Yugoslavia. The Yugoslavs had just pulled off an amazing comeback against France
in the semi-finals. Trailing 4-1 with 37 minutes left, they scored 4 quick-fire
goals to leave the hosts shell-shocked. ?
High on confidence and momentum after that shock victory, the Yugoslavs dominated much of the play in the final. Going into half time they led the
Soviet Union 1-0. Indeed, at times it seemed that Yashin’s heroics in goal were
the only thing preventing a rout. As it was, the Soviets were eventually able to
get back on level terms, thanks to a.
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