The question’s been repeated over and over again over the last fifty years or so; whatever happened to Hungarian football?
The country that revolutionised European football during the 50s hasn’t qualified for a World Cup since 1986 and hasn’t progressed past the first round of the competition since they made the quarter finals in 1966. Not one member of the starting line up against Lithuania in yesterday’s friendly has any memory of their homeland playing in a major tournament.
How did the inventors of extravert, expansive football get so average?
It’s impossible to over-emphasise Hungary’s effect on football. The Magnificent Magyars, as they were romantically nicknamed, was the Hungarian team of the early 50s that broke all records and conventions under the stewardship of their tactically astute coach, Gustáv Sebes. Hungary was the first team outside the Home Nations to beat England in Wembley. Not only did they beat an England team that were seen as invincible at home, they crushed their spirits with a 6-3 thrashing before inflicting a record defeat on the three lions with a 7-1 massacre in Budapest. The amazing attacking abilities of Puskás, Hidegkuti, Bozsik and Kocsis tore teams apart as Hungary went on a record-breaking run of 31 games unbeaten between 1950 and 1954.
The stylish Magyars’ run came to an unexpected end in the 1954 World Cup final against underdogs West Germany. The reasons behind Hungary’s failure to lift the Jules Rimet trophy remain debated to this day. Many believe the star players had become arrogant and complacent due to their incredible results. They had scored an average of 5.4 goals per game in the tournament, including a 9-0 victory over South Korea, and West Germany had been dependent on their super striker Fritz Walter to drag them from post-war blues to World Cup finalists. Others simply believe Coach Sepp Herberger outwitted his opponent on the day.
Whatever the reasons behind their shock defeat, Hungary lost the game 3-2 and Hungary’s golden era was about to end.
However their style, beauty and elegance inspired many teams, including Spain and the Netherlands. The likes of Puskás and Kocsis are still admired today for their revolutionary approach to the game. The Hungary team of 1954 are regarded by many as one of the best teams never to win a World Cup along with the Dutch sides of 74 and 78, and Brazil’s brilliant 1982 team.
With a culture that has lasted more than a millennium and a glorious history of conquest and rebellion, Hungarians are a proud people. Engage a Hungarian in conversation about their history and you will not be able to change the topic of conversation. The Magnificent Magyars stir up similar emotions of pride and admiration; however it’s unlikely that any Hungarian would wish to discuss their footballing history after this glorious period.
Due to a lack of funding and a lack of enthusiasm the national side has been stuck in a very long rut. The production line that once churned out magicians of outstanding individual skill has only been producing average players of moderate abilities.
Yet things are slowly changing.
A new generation of young, energetic, technically gifted Hungarians are trying to resurrect the national side, with some success.
Hungary were unlucky not to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup; losing out to Portugal and Denmark in the last round of matches. However they now sit second in their qualifying group for Euro 2012 with three victories in four matches.
This promising crop of youngsters consists of a blend of home-grown and foreign-based players. Pál Lázár is one fine example of the new generation of Hungarian footballers. The Videoton FC full-back is quick and intelligent with an eye for a pass. The 22 year old is proving that the Hungarian league is now capable of providing the national team with top class players.
The two flair players of the side are Ádám Szalai of high-flying Bundesliga outfit Mainz (formerly of Real Madrid) and Balázs Dzsudzsák, PSV’s flying winger. Both players are blessed with ferocious pace, great ball-control and accurate shooting.
The recent results have been positive, yet what will please Hungarian fans most is the style of the team. Their crisp passing and subtle yet effective movement has lead Hungarians to dream of a brighter future.
It would be outrageous to suggest that this fresh, boyish squad can emulate the great side of the 50s. The aim of this auspicious generation of players is to restore some much needed pride and passion in the national team. The first step towards achieving this goal is qualifying for Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine. Next up for Hungary is the tough test of world cup finalists the Netherlands.
I certainly hope we see Hungary in a major tournament soon because a strong Hungary is good for football.
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