Eusebio, the Black Panther, dies at 71 - Hindustan Times
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Eusebio, the Black Panther, dies at 71

Reuters | By, Lisbon
Jan 06, 2014 07:59 AM IST

Nicknamed the ‘Black Panther’ for the fear he instilled in his opponents, Portuguese forward Eusebio died of a heart attack in Lisbon. He was the top-scorer at the 1966 World Cup with nine goals that helped Portugal reach the semi-finals. All about Eusebio

Portuguese forward Eusebio died of a heart attack in Lisbon at the age of 71 on Sunday leaving behind a legacy that marks the Benfica legend out as one of the greatest players in soccer history.

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Born Eusebio da Silva Ferreira in the Mozambique capital Maputo on Jan 25, 1942, he rose to international prominence at the 1966 World Cup in England and went on to cement his reputation over the following decade, winning many admirers with his speed, technique, athleticism and a ferocious right-foot shot.

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Eusebio began playing football barefoot as a child on Mozambique’s dust track pitches before jumping into the spotlight at Benfica. He helped the club reach four European Cup finals, the last in 1968 when they lost to Manchester United in extra-time at Wembley. Benfica won the trophy in 1961 and 1962.

Nicknamed the ‘Black Panther’ for the fear he instilled in his opponents, he was the top-scorer at the 1966 World Cup with nine goals that helped Portugal reach the semi-finals and his performances at home inspired Benfica to 11 domestic titles.

European champions

In one of the most memorable moments of his career, Eusebio helped Benfica overcome Real Madrid in a thrilling 1962 European Cup final, the striker scoring a penalty to put his side ahead in the second half before sealing a thrilling 5-3 victory with an exquisite free kick.

A humbled Alfredo Di Stefano handed Eusebio his Real Madrid shirt after the final whistle as Portugal’s new-found star rejoiced in both beating his idol and getting his hands on a treasured piece of soccer memorabilia.

"The king" was carried around on the shoulders of celebrating fans that night, in an iconic image engraved in Portugal and Benfica’s history books and repeated time and again on Portuguese television screens ever since.

In 1963, Eusebio’s trademark surging runs and fearsome shots guided Benfica to their third consecutive European Cup final, where they were beaten by AC Milan 2-1, and another final two years later which they lost to Inter Milan.

1966 World Cup

For Portugal, Eusebio hit his stride at the 1966 World Cup in England. After easing past Hungary and Bulgaria, Portugal rounded out the group phase with a 3-1 win over reigning world champions Brazil as Eusebio scored twice to outshine Pele.

He then inspired Portugal to a remarkable comeback win over surprise package North Korea in the quarter-finals.

The underdogs raced to a 3-0 lead but Eusebio almost single-handedly dragged his team back into the contest, scoring four goals either side of half-time as Portugal advanced with a 5-3 victory.

Eusebio’s campaign was brought to an abrupt and jarring end when an overworked Portugal struggled against England’s physical approach and Bobby Charlton’s two goals left an inconsolable Eusebio in tears at the end of the Wembley encounter which the hosts won 2-1.

Portugal eventually finished third but Eusebio was singled out as the star of a tournament he ended as top scorer with nine goals.

It was the only World Cup he ever played in. He played his last game for Benfica in 1975 and went on to represent clubs in North America and two minor sides in Portugal, eventually calling time on his decorated career in 1979.

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