The world of blitz and consumerism we live in today is much different to that of the 1960’s, a time when the world was divided into two blocs. An Iron Curtain had descended, and behind that Iron Curtain, lay the Soviet Union. Politically and militarily, the Soviets were powerful. They were also powerful in the sporting arena, and the 60’s were a golden era for the football team of the Soviet Union. With tension from the Soviet Missile Crisis and the construction of the Berlin Wall simmering in the background, much of the success enjoyed by the USSR during this time was under the direction of manager Gavriil Kachilin, a smart man who enjoyed a great rapport with the Communist Party head honchos, who he succesfully convinced not to interfere with his teams affairs.

 

Another influence on Soviet and world football in general was Torpedo Moscow coach Victor Maslov, who is credited with inventing the 4-4-2 formation. He has been named as the initiator of the modern football tactics we know today. Having won the Olympic gold medal four years prior, the inaugural European Championships in 1960 marked the pinnacle of Soviet footballing achievement. This was a knockout tournament and their opportunity to show the world that their ideals in relation to health, fitness and sport were superior to those of the West.  Under the rules, each team would play home and away matches until the semi-finals, and then converge on host nation France to play out the final tournament. In front of more than 100,000 people at Central Lenin Stadium, the Soviets defeated Hungary on aggregate, who were a footballing superpower for much of the previous decade, 4-1. In the quarter final, Spain, who were in the grip of a right-wing dictatorship, refused to travel to the Soviet Union because of tensions form the Cold War and so they were awarded the win and went through to the final tournament along with Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia and hosts France. Three of the four competing nations were Eastern Bloc countries, outlining the strengh of the football teams under the Communist regime. The Soviets bulldozed Czechoslovakia 3-0 and went through to the final where they outmuscled Yugoslavia to win the first European Championship.

 

The nation also enjoyed their best World Cup results during this time. The Soviet Union were second favorates behind Brazil to win the 1962 World Cup in Chile. In a rematch of the Euro Championship, the Soviets again faced and defeated Yugoslavia in the opening game, with both goals coming in the second half. The next game was against Colombia, who found themselves 4-1 down, but then poured forward to complete an incredible comeback. The sides drew 4-4.

The Soviets only needed a draw against Uruguay to go through to the knockout phase. Uruguay needed a win, and pressed hard, but the Soviet Union managed to hold firm and won the game 2-1. Despite coming up against the host nation Chile in the quarter finals, the Soviet Union was confident for the win, but the hosts managed to overcome the European champions 2-1. In 1964, the Soviets attempted to defend their European Championship trophy, and almost succeded, defeating Italy in the last 16 and knocking out Denmark next. After two matches against Sweden the Soviets went through to the final where they played the host nation Spain, who scored a late goal and won the match and the championship 2-1. The Soviet team were so impressive, however, that Real Madrid president Santiago Bernebeu whipped out his chequebook and offered to sign half the Soviet team on the spot, but thanks to the KGB, the players weren’t going anywhere.

 

In 1966, the Soviet Union achieved their best World Cup result by finishing in fourth place. They cruised through the group stage by defeating North Korea 3-0, Italy 1-0 and and Chile 2-1. In the quarter finals they faced Hungary. The Soviets capitalised on two close range chances and although Hungary got one back in the second half, they couldn’t break through a determined Soviet defence and lost 2-1. The semi-final took place against West Germany in Liverpool. Haller gave the Germans the lead early in the match, and it wasn’t looking good for the Soviet Union when Chislenko was sent off soon after. West Germany were depleted by injuries, but they still held firm control against the 10-man Soviet side. Beckenbauer smashed in a long shot to make it 2-0, and even though Malofeyev scored later on, it was too little too late. Although they did brilliantly to get this far, the Soviets were out.

 

Their focus returned to the European Championship in 1968, held in Italy. England and Yugoslavia also qualified. The Soviets reached the semi-finals against the hosts. The match ended 0-0, and rather than play the game again it became the only international match ever to be decided by a coin toss. Italy won the toss and went on to become champions. The Soviet Union performed well in the 1970 World Cup as well. The opening match against hosts Mexico was somewhat poor, with neither team willing to take risks, and the match ended 0-0. The first yellow card in a World Cup was issued in this match, though it’s unclear who the recipient was. The first World Cup substitute also came on in this match. The Soviets stepped their game up against Belgium with a 4-1 win, before putting El Salvador away 2-0. The quater final against Uruguay was a dirty match with over 70 fouls commited. The South Americans prevailed thanks to a goal five minutes from the end of extra time. This was the end of the era, and no Soviet or Russian team would come close to what this team achieved in the decades to come.

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Acheivements: 
European Championships – Champions x1

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Star player: Lev Yashin, DoB 22 October 1929, PoB Moscow, Soviet Union, Nickname: The Black Spider

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Nicknamed “The Black Spider”, Lev Yashin is considered by many to be the greatest goalkeeper in the history of football. He had great athletisism in goal, an imposing stature and could pull off incredible reflex saves. Yashin played in four World Cups from 1958 to 1970, was chosen as goalie for the World Team of the 20th Century, made over 150 penalty saves and kept 270 clean sheets throughout his career. He is an Olympic gold medalist, winning the 1956 Olympic football tournament, is a European Champion and was named 1963 European Footballer of the Year. He is the only goalkeeper to ever receive this award. Yashin was born in Moscow, and at the age of 12 he was forced to work in a military factory to assist in Russias war effort. He was spotted while playing for his factory’s football team. He was also a good ice-hockey goalie, and won a USSR ice-hockey cup with the Dynamo team in 1953. He played professional football for Dynamo Moscow from 1950 to 1970, and won the USSR league 5 times. He was finally called up to the national team in 1954, and would play for them 74 times. One of his best performances was the 1963 FA Centenary match, when he appeared in the ‘Rest of the World XI’ against England when he made a number of breathtaking and almost unbelievable saves. For his outstanding service to the people and to his country, Yashin was awarded the Order of Lenin in 1967, the highest award of the USSR. He is chosen as GK in most all-time world dream teams ever written.