The Miracle of Bern (1954 FIFA World Cup Final) || 10% To @steemfc

After the end of the Second World War, Switzerland became the host country of the 1954 World Cup. At that time, both the host country and the defending champions got direct entry in the World Cup. In the 16-team World Cup, 11 of the remaining 14 teams came from Europe. 2 of the rest 3 teams came from America, and the other team was from Asia.

Hungary's legendary team the “Mighty Magyar” or the “Golden Team” was the hot favorite of the 1954 World Cup. They were unbeaten in 31 matches in the last five years before reaching the final. They were also the Olympic champions and champions of the 1953 Central European International Cup. Not only that, but they were the first team to beat England at home. Just before the World Cup, Hungary thrashed England 7-1 in Budapest.

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All the footballers of the Hungarian team were professionals, they were well known for their extraordinary skills. Ferenc Puskás on the front line, Sándor Kocsis; Nándor Hidegkuti in the attacking midfield, and the goalkeeper was Gyula Grosics. Hungary's Deputy Sports Minister Gusztáv Sebes was the coach of that team.

After the group stage, quarter-finals and semi-finals, West Germany and Hungary reached the final at the Wankdorf Stadium in Bern on July 4. Puskás, who had made it to the final after recovering from injury in the group stage, lead Hungary by scoring a goal in the 6th minute. Just 2 minutes later, Hungary scored another goal by shattering the German defense. This time Zoltán Czibor scored the goal. Like all the other matches, Hungarian fans were preparing themselves for the goal festival.

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Then Germany went on the attack. Max Morlock scored from Fritz Walter’s cross in the 10th minute. At the18th minute, Morlock dribbled and tried to break Hungary's defense, but Gyula Lóránt cleared the ball. Germany gets the corner. Jenő Buzánszky cleared Ottmar Walter's corner this time. Helmut Rahn equalized the scroreline with a goal from the second corner.

As the match was 2-2, Hungary launched a counter-attack and took possession of the match. They also created some good opportunities. In the 23rd minute, left-back Mihály Lantos found a chipped cross on Cox's head, from where the ball went to Nándor Hidegkuti. But Hidegkuti’s shot was blocked with great skill by the goal-keeper Toni Turek.

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Hungary was seen in completely attacking mood in the second half. They continue to create opportunities one after another. Puskas took a shot on goal 2 minutes after the break. But the ball went straight into Toni Turek’s hands. In the 54th minute, German left back Werner Kohlmeyer cleared Mihály Tóth's shot twice from the goal line. Hungary created two good chances in the 67th and 78th minutes, but Germany survived, thanks to crossbars and goalkeeper Turek.

Only 6 minutes remaining of the match. German left-winger Hans Schäfergot the ball from Hungarian midfielder József Bozsik and crossed it into the penalty box. That shot comes at the feet of another winger run. Center forward Ottmar Walter, who got the ball from there, scored the 3rd goal for Germany by dodging a low, powerful shot.

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2 minutes later, Puskás attempted to equalize the scoreline, but the goal was canceled due to offside, although TV footage did not give a clear idea of ​​Puskas' position.
With the final whistle in the Bern stadium, the journey of Hungary's unbeaten “Golden Team” came to an end, and West Germany became World Cup champion for the first time.

“Mighty Magyar” remained unbroken until 1956 as the change of coach, some footballers, including Puskás, were dropped from the team. Only four players of the previous team got a place in the next World Cup in 1958.

Thanks for reading.

Cc:- @worldoffootball @njaywan

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