RIP Eusebio

As an impressionable 15 year old, I have very distinct recollections of the 1966 football World Cup. Aside from England's win, my clearest memory is of the performance of Portugal's Eusebio who scored nine goals during the competition including four in the 5-3 defeat of North Korea, a match which saw Portugal come from being three goals down after 24 minutes.

I recall the sporting way he congratulated England's Bobby Charlton after England defeated Portugal in the semi-final. Then two years later I was fortunate enough to see Eusebio again as his club side Benfica were defeated  by Manchester United in the European Cup Final at Wembley. Once again he was magnanimous in defeat, something that has been sadly lacking in football since those days.

For me Eusebio has always characterised the absolute best aspects of football; blistering pace, magnificent ball skills and great sportsmanship. Without question he was one of the greatest players ever, scoring an incredible 733 goals in 745 professional games. Consequently I was very sad today to hear of his death at the age of 71. A very sad loss indeed.

RIP Eusebio and thank you for those wonderful memories.