EUSEBIO'S GOODISON MEMORIES

Thursday 12 November 2009, 12:01
by Paul Dargan

Eusebio's recent visit to Goodison Park brought back the happiest of memories for the Black Pearl.

The man whose name is justifiably mentioned in the same breath as Pele, Maradona and Cruyff when discussing the very highest echelons of legendary footballers had some of his greatest moments at Everton's ground.

In 1966 he was in England with his Portugal team and up against Pele's Brazil in the group stage at Goodison.

>Watch the interview in full on evertonTV

Eusebio scored twice in a 3-1 win in front of 62,000 fans. Qualification was, of course, assured and soon he was back at Goodison for a thriller against the surprise package, North Korea.

This time, Eusebio scored four times in a 5-3 win. Only England - who went on to win the tournament - could halt the prolific marksman with a 2-1 victory – though he did score the one!

His total of nine goals saw him win the Golden Boot and announce himself as a world star.

"I have got very fond memories of this particular stadium because I scored four goals against Korea and two against Brazil," Eusebio told evertonTV when he travelled with his beloved Benfica to Merseyside for the recent Europa League clash.

"When I was having lunch with the Everton board I was remembering the occasion because it was at that point that I felt I became a world-class player. That was my signature, really, as a top quality player."

Everton welcomed the returning legend with customary hospitality, both in the boardroom and on the pitch. Now 67, Eusebio received a great reception from the fans when he received a set of framed prints on the very turf he'd graced 43 years previously.

Eusebio and Phil Neville

"It was a great pleasure to have received the warm welcome that I did," he beamed. "This is a special staidum for me and I feel very privileged to be back.

"I received a trophy from the Everton chairman and I feel honoured about that because this is a very special place for me. I will put that trophy at home along with the other trophies that I have."

The significance of 1966 for Eusebio was clear - but it was even more important for England, and the victorious Three Lions squad from that year have left a lasting impression - including a certain Alan Ball.

"I do remember Alan Ball when he played for the Engand team, and he was an important player," continued Eusebio.

"But we mustn't forget the other important players like Sir Bobby Charlton and Bobby Moore, who was a very good friend of mine. Unfortunately he has passed away but he will always be in my heart."