Authoritarian regimes have often harnessed sports as a tool for propaganda, and the case of the Magical Magyars, Hungary’s national football team in the 1950s, is a striking example. This article will focus into how the Hungarian government used football as a mean to promote communism while pioneering a style of play that would later influence the famous Dutch “total football.” We’ll delve into the political context, the distinctive playing style of that era, and the enduring influence the Magyars had on football tactics.
Communism’s Sporting Pawns
The puppet Hungarian government of the time saw the potential in the Magical Magyars as a means to promote communist idealism. Their emphasis on teamwork and the importance of each player’s role on the field mirrored the ideals of communism, portraying an optimal version of this ideology.
To maintain their amateur status and qualify for Olympic and World Cup competitions, Magyar players couldn’t receive payment as football players. Instead, they were awarded ministerial positions within the Hungarian government. While these positions came with salaries far above average, it was still far from a living wage.
Total Football’s Hidden Roots
Contrary to common belief, the concept of “Total Football” had its roots in Hungary. Ferenc Puskás, a legendary figure in Hungarian football, played a pivotal role in creating a style of play that heavily relied on passing and teamwork. The Hungarian version of Total Football was born.
Outside Hungary, expectations for the national team were low. However, Hungary surprised the world by winning the Olympic gold medal against Yugoslavia in the 1952 Helsinki games, showcasing their innovative style of play.
The Rise and Fall
Hungary continued their dominance, going unbeaten for four years leading up to the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland. They breezed through the early rounds but faced a setback when their captain, Puskás, got injured. Still, they reached the finals, only to suffer an epic upset by West Germany, losing 3-2.
Hungary’s international record during this period was remarkable, with only one loss in the World Cup finals. Tragically, the Hungarian Revolution prevented the Magical Magyars from pursuing the Jules Rimet trophy a second time.
The Dutch Connection
The Dutch footballing revolution, often associated with “Total Football,” drew inspiration from Hungary. Concepts like zonal marking and the use of a centre-forward who dropped deep into midfield (flase 9), similar to Hungary’s tactics, influenced the Dutch approach to the game.
The Hungarian’s use of hardworking wingers and wingbacks in an era dominated by the WM formation paved the way for more flexible formations. Hungary’s tactical flexibility, later adopted by the Dutch, allowed players to interchange positions seamlessly, confusing opponents.
New Generation
The Hungarian national football team has experienced a remarkable comeback over the last couple of years. After failing to qualify for several major tournaments, Hungary secured a spot in Euro 2024 under the guidance of Italian coach Marco Rossi. Rossi took over the team in 2018 when they were struggling, but he has implemented an organized defensive style combined with efficient counterattacking that suits the players available for selection.
A key part of Hungary’s resurgence has been the emergence of a new generation of talented young players. Adam Szalai and goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi has provided veteran leadership, but the team’s spine now consists of young stars like defender Willi Orban, midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai and forward Roland Sallai. These players have gained valuable experience playing for top European clubs and have formed an effective unit for the national team. Hungary conceded just seven goals during the entire Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
Group A: Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland ✅#EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/GRedQ1cVPj
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) December 2, 2023
With confidence high after booking their place at next year’s tournament, this cohesive Hungarian squad will be looking to progress out of what promises to be a competitive group stage in Germany. If they can capture some of the magic that saw one of Hungary’s best ever teams reach the 1954 World Cup final, Rossi’s youthful contingent may continue turning heads on the international stage.
Conclusion
The Magical Magyars of Hungary not only left an indelible mark on the footballing world with their innovative style of play but also became pawns in a political game. Their influence on Dutch “Total Football” is undeniable, with concepts like positional switching and versatile players becoming integral to modern football. In a tale of triumph and tragedy, the legacy of the Magical Magyars lives on in the evolution of the beautiful game.
