This blogger Artur Yanturin of Russia copied many of my blog teams. This blog was one of them. It was my Russia All-Time Team here. His team was written in 2020, but mine was uploaded in 2014. I also updated mine periodically. I made mistakes. He is from Russia. He should know the topic much more than I do, but he still kept my mistakes. He will copy this Belarus All-Time Team. Please look at my other teams from the former Soviet Union. He copied all of them.
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| Spain 1957 |
Please also see my All-Time World Cup Team Index.
Brazil 1982 with Careca, etc
United Kingdom World Cup 1982
Netherlands Euro 1984 with Cruyff, Van Basten, Gullit
United Kingdom World Cup 1982
Netherlands Euro 1984 with Cruyff, Van Basten, Gullit
Italy Euro 1992
United Kingdom World Cup 1994
Yugoslavia World Cup 1994
France World Cup 1994
Germany World Cup 2002
Netherlands World Cup 2002
United Kingdom World Cup 1994
Yugoslavia World Cup 1994
France World Cup 1994
Germany World Cup 2002
Netherlands World Cup 2002
Background
During the late 1950s, the Spanish national team boasted a lineup of superstars including Luis Suárez, Alfredo Di Stéfano, Francisco Gento, and László Kubala. Despite this star-studded roster, the team failed to reach the 1958 World Cup Finals, leaving the world unable to witness the prowess of this talented national squad.
World Cup Qualification
In the 1958 World Cup qualification UEFA Group 9, Spain was grouped with Scotland and Switzerland. Spain's campaign started poorly with a surprise draw against Switzerland at home and a defeat to Scotland in the first two matches. Although they finished strongly with impressive 4-1 victories against both Scotland and Switzerland, it was not enough to surpass Scotland in the group standings and secure a spot in the 1958 World Cup Finals. However, in this alternative universe, Spain qualified for the World Cup Finals.
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| Miguel, Kubala, Di Stéfano, Luis Suárez and Paco Gento |
The other contenders
-- Brazil was a clear favorite for this World Cup. They could potentially summon an even more powerful lineup featuring the likes of Zizinho, Julinho, Canhoteiro, and Evaristo alongside the legendary Pele, Garrincha, Dida, DJ Santos, and Nilton Santos. This 1956 Brazil dream team would undoubtedly create a formidable force on the field.
-- Sweden and France came in 2nd and 3rd respectively. Sweden being the host brought back professional players from the Italian league, which helped the team. However, Nils Liedholm and Gunnar Gren were very old by 1958. Gunnar Nordahl and his two brothers did not return to the national team. Orvar Bergmark, Lennart Skoglund and Kurt Hamrin were the younger players on that team. France was led by Raymond Kopa who would win the 1958 Ballon D'or because of his performance in this World Cup Finals. Of course, Just Fontaine scored 13 goals a record in the tournament.
-- Hungary, Argentina and England could have fielded much stronger side in the 1958 World Cup Finals, but significant events that took place changed team compositions of several national teams. Several of the biggest stars in the world were unable to attend the World Cup Finals.
-- Hungary, once celebrated for the Magical Magyars, encountered setbacks as players such as Ferenc Puskás, Sándor Kocsis, and Zoltán Czibor found themselves in exile following the Hungarian Revolution and Soviet invasion. However, in an alternative reality, Hungary could have a team that featured Ferenc Puskás, Sándor Kocsis, Zoltán Czibor, Gyula Grosics, József Bozsik, Nándor Hidegkuti or even László Kubala.
-- Alfredo Di Stefano who is a member of this team also had the flexibility to represent his native Argentina, but Argentina would not select overseas based players in the 1950's. And due to the oriundo policies implemented by Italy and Spain in the 1950s, he played for Spain during the World Cup Qualification in Europe. Have Argentina chose to select overeas players, they could easily find Di Stefano playing with Antonio Angelillo, Humberto Maschio, Amadeo Carrizo, Nestor Rossi, Omar Oreste Corbatta, and Ángel Labruna. My alternative 1958 team for Argentina could be seen here.
-- Meanwhile, what if Duncan Edwards, Roger Byrne, Tommy Taylor and Eddie Colman survived the Munich Air Disaster? They could have line up alongside Tom Finney, Bobby Charlton and Billy Wright.
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| Spain 1957 |
How strong Spain could be?
Real Madrid enjoyed a period of significant success and dominance in European club football during the 1950s. Under the leadership of the legendary chairman Santiago Bernabéu, the club won a historic five consecutive European Cup titles from 1956 to 1960, solidifying their status as a European football powerhouse. This team was renowned for their five-person forward line. However, only three of the players played in all 5 years. They were Alfredo Di Stéfano, Francisco Gento, and Héctor Rial who also played for this team.
In the same era, Atletico Madrid experienced their own Golden Age in the 1950s. Under the guidance of Helenio Herrera, they clinched two La Liga titles in the early 1950's. Following Herrera's departure, Atletico Madrid fell behind Real Madrid and Barcelona but still managed to secure a runner-up position in the league during the 1957-1958 season. They even reached the semifinals of the European Cup the following season, ultimately losing to Real Madrid.
Simultaneously, Helenio Herrera joined Barcelona, initiating another successful era for the club. They secured consecutive La Liga/Inter Cities Fairs Cup Doubles in the 1957-1958 and 1958-1959 seasons, further solidifying their place in Spanish football history. The forward line was strong with Luis Suárez and László Kubala, but they were famous with their all-Catalan defensive lineup.
Coached by Slovakian Fernando Daucik from 1955 to 1958, Athletic Bilbao experienced a remarkable resurgence. They secured the Copa del Generalísimo in 1955 and accomplished a La Liga/Cup Double the following season. In the Final of Copa del Generalísimo in 1958, they defeated Real Madrid, the recent winners of La Liga and the European Cup, at their home ground, shattering their hopes of a treble in the 1957-58 campaign. This team was famously dubbed the "Eleven Villagers." The renowned quote often attributed to Athletic President Enrique Guzmán after the victory at the Bernabéu read, "With eleven villagers, we have conquered them." During that period, both Real Madrid and Barcelona had foreign star players in their squads, whereas Athletic exclusively counted on Basque players.
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| Spain vs England |
This team essentially consisted of players from both Barcelona and Real Madrid, making it a formidable lineup at least on paper. Brazil with Pele and Garrincha would be strong, but the Spaniards were more experienced. Sweden was an aging side, but aided by being the host while France was strong, but Spain should know Raymond Kopa very well. So, if none of the national team could not reinforce with the players I listed above, it would be hard for them to beat Spain. However, Spain's record in the year 1958 with Alfredo Di Stefano, Luis Suarez and László Kubala on the team was 2-1-1. They drew France and lost to West Germany in March, 1958 while beating Portugal 1-0 in April and Northern Ireland 6-2 in October. Of course, they also failed to qualify for the World Cup with those players. Moreover, Spain in the period after World Cup 1950 was notorious bad. They also failed to qualify for the 1954 World Cup Finals. So, on paper, Spain could be the team to beat, but in reality, they were unable to produce the results.
Team
GK: Antoni Ramallets (Barcelona)
Antoni Ramallets was the starting keeper for Barcelona in the 1950's. He played alongside with Laszio Kubala and Luis Suarez. He won the Zamora Award 5 times. He won 6 La liga titles in an era that was known to be dominated by Alfred Di Stefano's Real Madrid. At the international level, Ramallets played 35 games for Spain during 11 years, making his debut against Chile on 29 June 1950, during the 1950 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Antoni Ramallets was the starting keeper for Barcelona in the 1950's. He played alongside with Laszio Kubala and Luis Suarez. He won the Zamora Award 5 times. He won 6 La liga titles in an era that was known to be dominated by Alfred Di Stefano's Real Madrid. At the international level, Ramallets played 35 games for Spain during 11 years, making his debut against Chile on 29 June 1950, during the 1950 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
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| Antoni Ramallets |
Carmelo Cedrum played for Athletic Bilbao from 1950 to 1964. In 1964, having lost his place to another future club legend, José Ángel Iribar, he went to Espanyol in 1964, where he played until 1968. He also went aboard to play in the United States. He retired at 38 with the Baltimore Bays. He was capped 13 times between 1954 and 1963. His son also played as a keeper for Atletico Bilbao.
RB: Marquitos (Real Madrid)
During his career, he played for hometown's Racing de Santander, Real Madrid, Hércules CF, Real Murcia, Calvo Sotelo and Toluca de Santander. With the Merengues, he won six La Liga championships and five European Cups: in the 1955–56 edition of the latter, he scored a rare goal as he equalized 3–3 against Stade de Reims, in an eventual 4–3 success. He was capped twice.
During his career, he played for hometown's Racing de Santander, Real Madrid, Hércules CF, Real Murcia, Calvo Sotelo and Toluca de Santander. With the Merengues, he won six La Liga championships and five European Cups: in the 1955–56 edition of the latter, he scored a rare goal as he equalized 3–3 against Stade de Reims, in an eventual 4–3 success. He was capped twice.
CB/RB: Ferran Olivella (Barcelona)
Ferran Olivella was capped 18 times for Spain between 1957 and 1962, but better remembered for being the captain of the Spanish national that won the European Championship in 1964. He was also an unused sub at the World Cup Finals in 1966. For club football, he played his entire career with Barcelona, winning the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup three times in the 1960's. He won back-to-back La Liga in 1959 and 1960.
Ferran Olivella was capped 18 times for Spain between 1957 and 1962, but better remembered for being the captain of the Spanish national that won the European Championship in 1964. He was also an unused sub at the World Cup Finals in 1966. For club football, he played his entire career with Barcelona, winning the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup three times in the 1960's. He won back-to-back La Liga in 1959 and 1960.
CB: Marcelo Campanal (Sevilla)
Marcelo Campanal was known as "Campanal II" because his uncle Guillermo Campanal was better known as "Campanal I", who was the manager of Sevilla. He played for sixteen seasons at Sevilla FC between 1950 and 1966. He later played two seasons with Deportivo La Coruna , CD Iliturgi and his final season as a professional in the Real Aviles CF. He earned 11 caps with the national team between 1952 and 1957. In 1954, he was named Spanish sportsman of the year.
Marcelo Campanal was known as "Campanal II" because his uncle Guillermo Campanal was better known as "Campanal I", who was the manager of Sevilla. He played for sixteen seasons at Sevilla FC between 1950 and 1966. He later played two seasons with Deportivo La Coruna , CD Iliturgi and his final season as a professional in the Real Aviles CF. He earned 11 caps with the national team between 1952 and 1957. In 1954, he was named Spanish sportsman of the year.
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| Campanal II |
Gensana made his debut with UE Lleida in 1955. He signed for Barça in 1956. He was part of one of the most glorious eras of FC Barcelona, winning 2 leagues, 3 Spanish Cups and 2 Inner Cities Fair Cups. He was known for his partnership with Joan Segarra and Martí Vergés. He later played for Osasuna and Condal. He retired in 1967. With Spain, he played 10 times between 1957 and 1961. He scored twice for Spain.
CB: Quincoces II (Valencia)
Juan Carlos Diaz Quincoes is the nephew of the legendary defender and coach Jacinto Quincoces, from whom he inherited the football nickname. He was better known as Quincoes II. He made his debut under his uncle for Valencia in 1953. He would play for the same club until 1964. He then played two seasons for Real Murcia. For Spain, he played 8 times between 1957 and 1959.
CB: Jesús Garay (Atheltic Bibao)
Garay was rated among the best ever centre-back to be capped for Spain. He spent 10 seasons with Athletic Bilboa and then, Barcelona for another 5 seasons between 1960 and 1965. He won five major titles with Athletic Bilboa between 1950 and 1960. He also played a single season with CD Málaga in the 1965-1966 season. He had 29 caps between 1953 and 1962. He was part of the squad that competed at the 1962 World Cup Finals in Chile.
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| Jesús Garay |
LB: Rafael Lesmes (Real Madrid)
Over 12 La Liga seasons Rafael Lesmes played for Real Valladolid (two spells) and Real Madrid, appearing in 263 games in the competition. He began his career with local Atlético Tetuán and retired in 1962 at the age of 35. With Real Madrid, Lesmes was part of the team that won five consecutive European Cups. Lesmes was an unsused player at the 1950 World Cup. In total, he played twice for Spain in 1955 and 1958 respectively.
DM: Juan Santisteban (Real Madrid)
Juan Santisteban played with Real Madrid between 1956 and 1961. He was a part of Real Madrid that won 5 straight European Cups. He spent a season with Venezia between 1961 and 1963 before returning to Real Madrid. He also played one season each for Real Betis and Baltimore Bays at the end of his career. At the international level, he also earned 7 caps between 1957 and 1959.
Juan Santisteban played with Real Madrid between 1956 and 1961. He was a part of Real Madrid that won 5 straight European Cups. He spent a season with Venezia between 1961 and 1963 before returning to Real Madrid. He also played one season each for Real Betis and Baltimore Bays at the end of his career. At the international level, he also earned 7 caps between 1957 and 1959.
CB/LB/DM: Joan Segarra (Barcelona)
Joan Segarra played for Barcelona from1949 to 1964. He was a part of the great Barcelona team of the 1950's. He was the captain of the "Barça of the Five Trophies". They finally reached the 1961 European Cup Final, but losing to Benfica. He is ranked fifth among all players, by number of starts, in the history of Barcelona. For the national team, he had 25 caps between 1954 and 1958.
Joan Segarra played for Barcelona from1949 to 1964. He was a part of the great Barcelona team of the 1950's. He was the captain of the "Barça of the Five Trophies". They finally reached the 1961 European Cup Final, but losing to Benfica. He is ranked fifth among all players, by number of starts, in the history of Barcelona. For the national team, he had 25 caps between 1954 and 1958.
IF/AM/CM: Luis Suarez Miramontes (Barcelona)
Luis Suarez was considered to be Spain's greatest player until 1970's. Luis Suarez won Ballon d'Or in 1960. In 1964, he led La Roja in winning the European Championship. For club football, he played as a midfielder for Deportivo de La Coruña, CD España Industrial, FC Barcelona, Inter Milan and Sampdoria. He was known for his career with Barcelona and Inter Milan. He was a member of "Grande Inter" and won two consecutive European Cups.
Luis Suarez was considered to be Spain's greatest player until 1970's. Luis Suarez won Ballon d'Or in 1960. In 1964, he led La Roja in winning the European Championship. For club football, he played as a midfielder for Deportivo de La Coruña, CD España Industrial, FC Barcelona, Inter Milan and Sampdoria. He was known for his career with Barcelona and Inter Milan. He was a member of "Grande Inter" and won two consecutive European Cups.
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| Luis Suarez |
CM: José María Zárraga (Read Madrid)
José María Zárraga signed for Real Madrid in 1949, but made his La Liga debut in 1951. From 1953–60, Zárraga was an important midfield unit as the Merengues won 11 major titles, including five consecutive European Cups. He played in all the finals, and totalled 31 appearances combined in those victorious campaigns. He earned 8 caps and served once as the captain of the national team at the last of his international appearance.
IF/AM/LW: Joaquin Peiro (Atletic Madrid)
Joaquin Peiro is a legend at Atletic Madrid. He starred as his hometown club won back-to-back Copa del Rey from 1959 to 1961 and the Cup Winners' Cup in 1962. Hee moved to play for Torino in Italy between 1962 and 1964. Then, in 1964, he joined Inter Milan and won the European Cup in 1965 as a member "la Grande Inter". between 1966 and 1970, he later played for AS Roma, and later captained Roma. He had 12 caps in a 10 year period.CM/AM/FW: Alfredo Di Stefano (Real Madrid)
The best player in the world before the emerge of Pele and Maradona. He was one of the younger member of the great River Plate in the 1940's. In 1949, he moved to play in Colombia before moving to Europe in 1953. He won 5 straight European Cups with Real Madrid. He was credited in turning Real Madrid into a legendary club. His international career was limited to the fact that Argentina did not select overseas players. He played for Argentina and Colombia before representing Spain.
The best player in the world before the emerge of Pele and Maradona. He was one of the younger member of the great River Plate in the 1940's. In 1949, he moved to play in Colombia before moving to Europe in 1953. He won 5 straight European Cups with Real Madrid. He was credited in turning Real Madrid into a legendary club. His international career was limited to the fact that Argentina did not select overseas players. He played for Argentina and Colombia before representing Spain.
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| Alfredo Di Stefano |
RW: Estanislau Basora (Barcelona)
Estanislau Basora was considered of the Barcelona's greatest players. He was a member of Barcelona's team in the 1950's, the greatest Spanish club team before the emerge of Alfred Di Stefano's Real Madrid. He was capped 22 times for Spain between 1949 and 1957. He went to the World Cup Final in 1950. He also represented Catalonia XI on several occasions.
RW: Miguel González Perez (Atletico Madrid)
Miguel González played as a striker for Mensajero, Iberia, Victoria, Atlético Madrid, Real Oviedo, Real Zaragoza and Real Murcia. With Atlético Madrid he scored 73 goals in 252 games, winning two league titles and one Cup. He scored 2 goals in 15 games for the Spain national team between 1953 and 1958. He was a part of the Spanish forward line of Miguel, Kubala, Di Stéfano, Suárez and Gento.
LW: Francisco Gento (Real Madrid)
Francisco Gento is regarded as one of the greatest left wings in history. Gento began his career at Racing Santander in 1952 and moved to Real Madrid the following season. He appeared in a joint record eight European Cup finals, winning a record six, as well as winning 12 La Liga titles. No one has won more European Cups than Francisco Gento. In a 14-year international career, Gento earned 43 caps for Spain, playing at the World Cup in 1962 and 1966.
Francisco Gento is regarded as one of the greatest left wings in history. Gento began his career at Racing Santander in 1952 and moved to Real Madrid the following season. He appeared in a joint record eight European Cup finals, winning a record six, as well as winning 12 La Liga titles. No one has won more European Cups than Francisco Gento. In a 14-year international career, Gento earned 43 caps for Spain, playing at the World Cup in 1962 and 1966.
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| Paco Gento |
Born in 1934, Enrique Collar spent most of his career with Atletico Madrid from 1952 to 1969. He played a single season with Valencia before he retired from playing. He was a part of the great Atletico Madrid side that won the Cup Winners' Cup in 1962. He earned 16 caps, scoring 4 goals for Spain between 1955 and 1963. He also went to the World Cup Finals in 1962 as Spain's captain, but only made a single appearance at the Finals.
FW/SS/AM: Laszlo Kubala (Barcelona)
Born in Hungary of a multi-cultural background, Laszlo Kubala was known as one of the greatest Barcelona players ever. He still managed to win 4 Li Liga titles in the 1950's in an era dominated by Real Madrid. He also played for Ferencváros, Slovan Bratislava, etc. In 1961, Barcelona eliminated Real Madrid from the European Cup, the first ever loss by Real Madrid at the tournament. He was capped by Hungry, Spain and Czechoslovakia. He was a guest player for Catalonia national football team.
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| Laszlo Kubala |
ST: Enrique Mateos (Real Madrid)
Mateos was mainly a reserve player during his eight-year spell with Reak Madrid which won 13 major titles during that timeframe; his best output came during the 1956–57 season, when he scored a career-best 14 goals in 21 games en route to the La Liga championship; additionally, he netted 9 times in 16 appearances combined in the European Cup, winning the tournament on 4 occasions. Between 1957 and 1961, he was capped 8 times.
FW/SS: Hector Rial (Real Madrid)
Hector Rial started his career with San Lorenzo. He was known for his career with Real Madrid between 1954 and 1961. He was part of the team that won five consecutive European Cups, playing alongside Alfredo Di Stefano. He played professional football in Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay, Spain, France and Chile. Born in Argentina, he became a naturalized citizen of Spain. He was capped 5 times by Spain between 1955 and 1958.
Hector Rial started his career with San Lorenzo. He was known for his career with Real Madrid between 1954 and 1961. He was part of the team that won five consecutive European Cups, playing alongside Alfredo Di Stefano. He played professional football in Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay, Spain, France and Chile. Born in Argentina, he became a naturalized citizen of Spain. He was capped 5 times by Spain between 1955 and 1958.
Players Pool
Juan Alonso, Ignacio Eizaguirre, José Araquistáin, Vicente Train, Goyo Vergel, Sígfrid Gràcia, José María Orúe, Canito, Heriberto Herrera, Juan Carlos Quincoces, Antonio Valero, Alberto Callejo, Mauri, Jose María Maguregui, Miguel Munoz, Joseíto, Justo Tejada, Ramón Marsal, Ricardo Alós, Manuel Badenes, Joaquín Murillo, Eneko Arieta, Ignacio Uribe, José Luis Artetxe.
Squad Explanation
-- I picked eight players from Real Madrid and another seven from Barcelona, along with three from Atletico Madrid, two from Athletic Bilbao, and one each from Sevilla and Valencia.
-- Alfredo Di Stefano and Hector Rial were naturalised from Argentina, but Rial never played for Argentina. Jose Satamaria and Eulogio Martínez had not represented Spain at the time of 1958 World Cup Finals. I do not understand their international status at the time of the World Cup Finals.
-- In May 1958, Real Madrid beat AC Milan in the Final of the European Cup. The starting lineup consisted of Juan Alonso, Ángel, Rafael Lesmes, Juan Santisteban, José Santamaría, José María Zárraga, Joseíto, Raymond Kopa, Alfredo Di Stéfano, Héctor Rial and Paco Gento. Seven of whom are on this team. Meanwhile, Barcelona FC won the Inter Cities Fairs Cup by beating London XI. Eight members of this team played in that Final.
-- Since Spain did not qualify for the World Cup Finals, the final of the 1958 Copa del Generalísimo was played on the same date as the World Cup Final in Sweden.
-- Spain also did not qualify for the 1954 World Cup Finals, but went to the one in 1950. Antoni Ramallets and Estanislau Basora were the only players on this team who played in a World Cup Finals before. Rafael Lesmes also went to Brazil, but he was unused substitute.
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| Estanislau Basora |
Goalkeepers
-- Spain was mainly using Antoni Ramallets and Carmelo Cedrun between 1955 and 1958. Ramallets made his name in the 1950 World Cup Finals. In the 1955–56 season, he helped his club team Athletic Bilbao winning La Liga, So, I would take both of them.
-- Juan Acuña had retired in 1955, but Ignacio Eizaguirre was still an active player playing club football with Osasuna. However, in 1956, he forced out Real Sociedad becuase of the emerge of José Araquistáin. His last cap was in 1952.
-- In Real Madrid, Juan Alonso had been an important player since 1955. In the 1957-1958 season, he was splitting playing time with Rogelio Domínguez of Argentina. He made his national team debut on 15 October 1958 against Northern Ireland.
-- Vicente Train was a young goalkeeper at Espanyol, enjoying his debut season as a starter in the 1957-1958 season. During that time, he also featured for the Spain B team. Ricardo Zamora Jr, son of the legendary Spanish goalkeeper of the same name, served as his backup the following season.
-- Goyo Vergel won Zamora Trophy for the 1957-1958 season, but I don't know much about him. He was a starting goalkeeper for three seasons, but he never played for Spain.
Defenders
-- In the 1950's, most teams played with a system of three defenders, meaning that all fullbacks were essentially central defenders. So, I could select any defenders regardless of position although players such as Marquitos or Lemes tended to play on one side of the field. . Nevertheless, I would try to balance the team by selecting side central defenders.
-- Jose Santamaria's last international match for Uruguay was in April, 1957 against Chile before the World Cup Qualification in South America. He left for Real Madrid shortly afterward. I do not know when he became eligible to play for Spain. Spain had three other international matches in 1958 in the period before the World Cup Finals. He did not play in any of them. I am unsure whether Spain would rush to include him in the World Cup Finals squad if Spain qualified for Sweden. His first cap for Spain did not come until October 1958 against Northern Ireland. In this scenario, it seemed that he would not be able to play for Spain in the World Cup even if Spain qualified for Sweden. So, he should not be a part of this squad.
-- Barcelona boasted a formidable defense comprised entirely of Spanish players. I selected Ferran Olivella, Enrique Gensana and Joan Segarra. Olivella and Segarra were regarded as two of the greatest defenders ever to come from Spain. Segarra actually moved to play in the midfield in 1958. I left off Sígfrid Gràcia because he did not pick up his first cap until 1959.
-- From Real Madrid, I included both Marquitos and Rafael Lesmes. Marquitos played in four out of the five European Cup Finals that Real Madrid won, while Lesmes had started in three finals by 1958. Marquitos, who had been playing regularly throughout the 1957-1958 season, was absent in the 1958 European Cup Final, and the reason for his absence remained unknown to me. He did not play for Spain between 1955 and 1960, but I selected him because he was a famous player. Rafael Lesmes was also absent from the national team between 1950 and 1958. But I also selected him because he was a famous player.
-- Marquitos and Ferran Olivella covered the right side while Joan Segarra and Rafael Lesmes were left side defender.
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| Marquitos |
-- I also looked into José María Orúe, Canito, Heriberto Herrera, Antonio Valero and Alberto Callejo. Herrera represented Paraguay before transferring to play for Spain in 1957. He notably guided Paraguay to victory in the 1953 Copa América, where he was recognized as the tournament's standout player. José Orúe was revered as one of Athletic Bilbao's finest defenders and formed a formidable partnership with Canito in their renowned team known as the "Eleven Villagers." Antonio Valero and Alberto Callejo, while good defenders, did not enjoy the same level of fame as their counterparts. Josep Seguer was 35 years old and departed from Barcelona in 1957. Gustau Biosca's final international appearance was in 1952, and he left Barcelona in 1958.
Midfielders
-- In 1958, Joan Segarra transitioned to the midfield for Barcelona, where he established a renowned trio alongside Enrique Gensana who also moved to the midfield and Martí Vergés. Meanwhile, at Real Madrid, the 1957-1958 season marked Miguel Muñoz's final season as a player. Real Madrid's midfield was notably led by Juan Santisteban and José María Zárraga, who served as the team's stalwart foundation during their victorious five-year stint in the European Cup.
-- Athletic Bilbao showcased a legendary midfield partnership for eight seasons, comprising Mauri (1953-1964), recognized for his attacking prowess, and Jose María Maguregui (1952-1961), a defensive stalwart. This dynamic duo played crucial roles in the club winning a league title in 1955 and three Copa del Generalísimo triumphs. Mauri was part of the "Eleven Villagers" team that prevented Real Madrid from achieving a treble in the 1958 Copa del Generalísimo. Jose María Maguregui, although not present in the final, played a significant role in that era. Nevertheless, these players seem to have been forgotten by fans beyond the Basque region. On the contrary, the legacy of Real Madrid's Juan Santisteban and José María Zárraga, along with Barcelona's Joan Segarra, Enrique Gensana, and Martí Vergés, has endured due to their success at bigger clubs and in European competitions. So, I went for the players from the bigger clubs and did not take the pairs from Basque. However, I also dropped Marti Verges.
-- In Barcelona, Luis Suárez was mainly used as an inside-forward, while he later played as a regista for La Grande Inter. I am not sure if he ever played in a deeper role here. Alfredo Di Stefano's best position would be an inside-forward or attacking midfielder, but he was able to play as a central midfielder or defensive midfielder. In Madrid, he was the center of the attack. He often received the ball behind the forwards. In effect, he was playing deeper than most inside-forwards of his time. So, both Luis Suárez and Di Stefano could be utilized in the midfield if necessary. I had seven midfielders on this team.
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| Di Stefano and Luis Suarez |
Forwards
-- Both Real Madrid and Barcelona played a forward line of 5 players, which was popular in the 1950'. So this team needed plenty of forwards.
-- The two standout inside-forwards of that era were Alfredo Di Stefano and László Kubala. They dominated European football in that era. In Barcelona, Luis Suarez Miramontes was also primarily utilized as an inside forward rather than a midfielder. He would later win the 1960 Ballon D'or because of his career with La Grande Inter. Joaquin Peiro, who was slightly younger than Luis Suarez Miramontes, shared the field with him at Inter Milan during the 1960s. Peiro faced restricted playing time at Inter Milan due to limitations on foreign players. Nonetheless, in 1958, he shone brightly as a key player for Atlético Madrid. He scored 17 goals in the league which was behind Ricardo Alós , Alfredo Di Stéfano and Manuel Badenes of Valladolid, and equaled the amount of goals scored Hector Rial.
-- Estanislau Basora, hailed as one of Spain's finest right wingers, was 36 years old by 1958. Despite his age, he featured in both legs of the Inter-cities Fairs Cup Finals in May 1958 and actively participated in the World Cup Qualifiers for Spain. However, Miguel González, representing Atletico Madrid, served as the primary right winger for Spain, featuring in three out of the four World Cup Qualifiers in 1957. Joseíto had a long career with Real Madrid, but his role was limited to the arrival of Raymond Kopa in 1956. His only cap came in 1952. Justo Tejada did not make his national team debut until 1958. I believed the presense of Basora forced him to play on the left. So, I left both Joseíto and Tejada off the team.
-- Francisco Gento was one of the greatest left wingers ever played the game. In 1958, he was in his prime. Enrique Collar was a youngster in 1958, but he already played for Spain. He was also an inside left. He was one of Atletico Madrid's greatest player.
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| Enrique Collar |
-- Eulogio Martínez, a naturalized player from Paraguay, would have been the perfect choice as the center forward for this team. However, he didn't represent Spain until 1959, raising concerns about his eligibility for the 1958 World Cup Finals.
-- Instead of him, I took attackers from Real Madrid. Hector Rial earned his first cap for Spain in 1955. He was a big part of Real Madrid in the late 1950's. He was more of a secondary striker or attack midfielder, but he had lined up in the center. Enrique Mateos had been a long time member of Real Madrid in the 1950's, but mainly as a backup. In the 1956-1957 season, he had a big role. He even started in the 1957 European Cup Final.
-- Ramón Marsal suffered from a career ending injury on April, 1958. So, he was also out. Ricardo Alós (Valencia), earned the Pichichi Trophy that season, in a three-way tie with Alfredo Di Stéfano of Real Madrid and Manuel Badenes of Valladolid. Joaquín Murillo was one of most productive strikers in that period of time. However, Joaquín Murillo, Ricardo Alós and Manuel Badenes never played for Spain. Eneko Arieta was a big part of Athletic Bilbao winning the Double in 1956. However, all of his senior caps came in 1955. His club teammate Ignacio Uribe never played for Spain. The only logical choice would be José Luis Artetxe who picked up 6 caps between 1955 and 1959. However, I did not have a spot left for him.
Formation
Barcelona and Real Madrid both employed the 3-2-4 formation, a popular choice during that era. Spain used the front five of Miguel González, Kubala, Di Stéfano, Luis Suárez and Paco Gento. For this team, I decided to use Estanislau Basora in place of Miguel Gonzalez, making this front five appear even more magical and legendary on paper. It is almost like a fantasy dream team. Di Stefano tended back and took control of the game. By 1958, Segarra had moved to the midfield.
Formation
Luis Suarez would drop to the midfield during his time with La Grande Inter. I am unsure if he played in a deeper role during his time in La Liga. Joaquin Piero played with him in Inter Milan.
