My interactions with Eusebio: A tribute to the Black Panther

Eusebio was known for his exploits in the 1966 World Cup where he finished top-scorer with nine goals. However the Black Panther from Mozambique always told me that his greatest match was the 1962 European Cup final against mighty Real Madrid. He was just twenty years old then and admitted he was overawed playing a side which included both Alfredo Di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas.

Eusebio fondly remembered this match as defensive tactics were not employed and shots flew into the net. Puskas scored a first half hat-trick and Real Madrid led 3-2. But then goals by Coluna and a brace by Eusebio (a penalty and an explosive free kick) enabled Benfica win 5-3.

Eusebio had said that this match established him as a world star as his effective dribbling, power and pace unsettled Real Madrid in the second half. However his abiding memory was a gesture at the end of the match. Puskas gave Eusebio his jersey. This was a poignant moment as the former Hungarian captain was idealized by Eusebio.

When asked about his great goal scoring ability, Eusebio always said it was due to his speed. It was said he could run 100 metres in 11 seconds. He was also capable of bewildering skill and possessed a stinging shot. He also had the physical and mental strength not to be intimidated by anyone, which Eusebio claimed was due to his tough upbringing in Mozambique.

He would have turned 72 on January 25. He started with Sporting Lourenco-Marques, a nursery club of Sporting Lisbon, but Guttman snatched him for Benfica. The top scorer in the Portuguese league seven times, he was European Footballer of the Year in 1965 and by the time he retired in 1978 had scored 733 times in 745 professional matches, including 41 in 64 internationals.

Eusebio in action against Hungary in the World Cup in 1966

History will remember him for his four goals feat which enabled Portugal recover and beat North Korea 5-3 in the 1966 World Cup quarter finals at Goodison Park, home ground of Everton. Eusebio admitted that Portugal was complacent and were overwhelmed by the pace and quick short-passing of North Korea in the opening twenty minutes. He always admitted that if the North Koreans had become defensive and pulled players back in midfield, Portugal would have struggled. But it remained an open game.

Eusebio always modest and low key never talked about his great individual feat. However journalists who saw that game said he took on the North Koreans virtually on his own. He moved from the right wing to the left, the left wing to the middle, using his footwork, body swerve and acceleration to get through the Korean defence. By half time he had made it 2-3.

Fifteen minutes into the second half, Eusebio broke through to score again. Next came an electrifying left wing run, in which he evaded several tackles before being tripped in the box. He scored from the resultant penalty kick. Portugal won 5-3.

England’s tenacious defensive midfielder Nobby Stiles was his nemesis in both the 1966 World Cup semi finals and 1968 European Cup final against Manchester United. Stiles closely marked him in both these matches and reduced his effectiveness.

During both these matches, especially the 1968 European Cup final, Stiles’ often resorted to rough tackles. Even years later when the modest Eusebio was questioned he praised Stiles and never complained about the constant kicks on his ankles. The two of them had a memorable reunion in 2005 and remained friends after that.

But above all Eusebio will be remembered for sporting spirit and large-hearted gestures. In the closing stages of the 1968 European Cup final, with the score 1-1 in a game United went on to win 4-1 in extra-time, Eusebio was denied what could have been a winner when his powerful shot was kept out by a fine save from goalkeeper Alex Stepney. As play continued in one of the most important games of his life, Eusebio stopped to applaud United’s goalkeeper.

Cristiano Ronaldo overtook Eusebio’s international scoring tally of 41 goals last year but took 106 caps to do so. Ronaldo is now Portugal’s most admired footballer a position once occupied by Eusebio who because of his humble demeanour was loved by all. He ranks amongst the pantheon of great players.

Some may claim he was not of the same class as Diego Maradona, Pele, Lionel Messi or Johan Cruyff. However, after Eusebio’ death, one of the all time great defenders Franz Beckenbauer on Twitter said, “one of the greatest football players ever has passed away.” If Beckenbauer can call him one of the greatest ever then why quibble.