The Magnificent Magyars

The Magnificent Magyars

With Portugal defeating Hungary at Old Trafford, the Magyars had to win their match against Brazil at Goodison two days later to keep their hopes of qualification alive.

They duly achieved this - and in some style in what was one of the best games ever seen on the ground.

The outcome could have been so different had Brazil been able to call upon the services of Pele, but the great man was out injured.

The majestic Ferenc Bene - who had tormented Everton for Ujpest Dozsa in Europe the previous season - netted after just three minutes and although Tostao equalised the Hungarians remained in control - with the game dominated by Florian Albert, who 12 months later would become European Footballer of the Year.

The second Hungarian goal was one of the finest scored during the entire tournament.

Bene's cross was met by Farkas who, running at full speed into the penalty area, caught the ball perfectly. His low volley nearly drilled a hole in the net at the Gwladys Street End!

A penalty 18 minutes from time confirmed a 3-1 win for Hungary. A day later at Old Trafford, Portugal ended Bulgarian hopes with a 3-0 win.


Friday, July 15th 1966

Brazil 1 (Tostao) Hungary 3 (Bene, Farkas, Meszoly).

Attendance: 57,455.

Hungary: Gelei, Kapozta, Matrai, Szepesi, Meszoly, Sipos, Bene, Mathesz, Albert, Farkas, Rakosi.

Brazil: Gilmar, Djalma Santos, Bellini, Altair, Paulo Henrique, Gerson, Lima, Garrincha, Alcindo, Tostao, Jairzinho.

Lotto SuperDraw

Lotto SuperDraw

Weekly results for the Lotto Superdraw are published every Thursday, click here for the latest.

Find out more
Match Highlights Archive

Match Highlights Archive

Watch highlights from classic and recent Everton games on evertontv.

Find out more
2013/14 Season Tickets

2013/14 Season Tickets

All the information you could need about securing your seat at Goodison.

Find out more
Shop Online

Shop Online

Buy Everton merchandise on our online store.

Find out more
History Timeline

History Timeline

A quick visual walk through Everton's rich and fascinating history.

Find out more

This site uses cookies. Click here to learn more.