As the soccer community mourned the loss of Ferenc Puskas, it seemed fitting to pay homage to the legacy of Hungarian soccer.

No matter what you called the The Golden Team that inspired several nicknames including the Magnificent, Magical, or Mighty Magyars, Hungarian soccer during the 1950s was among the most breathtaking ever to grace a soccer pitch.

Hungary burst on the international scene after they became the first team to defeat England on English soil 6-3 in 1953. They throttled the English 7-1 in the return match in Budapest. Though Hungary were a respected power during the Inter-war years — reaching the World Cup finals against Italy in 1938 — it wasn't until the 1950s did their legend become rooted in soccer folklore.

Today, we tend to recall the great Brazilian Brazilian names — Garrincha and Pele come to mind — from the 1950s. Obscure Eastern European names are not exactly household names. They should be. Led by the likes of Laszlo Budai, Sandor Kocsis, Nandor Hidegkuti, Zoltan Czibor, Peter Palotas and the Galloping Major Ferenc Puskas, Hungary went on a 32-game unbeaten streak during in the early to mid-50s. A record that still stands.

However, the Hungarians fell to West Germany 3-2 at the 1954 World despite being outright favorites. It was, as we say, a massive upset. Especially considering Hungary — who were without Puskas who was injured in the match against the Germans earlier in the tournament — smashed West Germany 8-3 in round robin play.

1956 had decimated the national team as the Hungarian revolution began to exact its toll. Hungary remained a force but a mere shadow if its former self. Hungarian soccer has been in seemingly terminal decline since the 1970s.

Today, we remember the Magnificent Magyars:

• International record includes 3 gold medals; 1 silver and 1 bronze at the Olympics from 1952-72.

• Two World Cup finals (1938, 1954); two semi-finals and five quarter-finals.

• 31-game unbeaten streak. Starting in 1950 until 1954. In 98 matches between 1950 and 1960, Hungary won 67 times while drawing 16 and losing only 15 matches. This translates into a .765 winning percentage.

• Interesting Note: Hungary defeated Brazil twice in World Cup play while never suffering a loss. The first victory came in 1954 with a 4-2 victory and the second in 1966 when they beat Brazil 3-1. Hungary never lost to Brazil in 4 matches (three wins and one draw).

The Dutch and Hungarians prove that life is not necessarily fair and that innovation does not always translate into victory. Just like the ill-fated Austrian "Wunderteam" of the 1930s, the ultimate World Cup triumph eluded them. For North Americans, think Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings. You may include the Atlanta Braves or Montreal Alouettes as well.

Holland's philosophy on the game was something called "Total Football." While they weren't the only ones who used this idea — West Germany was playing with it as well — they did master its tenets during the 1970s. Holland began experimenting with "Total Football" with the great Dutch clubs Feyenoord and Ajax in the late '60s and early '70s. Tactically aware and forever roaming around the pitch, the Dutch were ready to pounce and strike at any time.

'Total Football" was finally put to the test in 1972 in the European Cup final against Italy's powerhouse club Internazionale of Milano. After Ajax's 2:0 victory over Inter, newspapers around Europe reported the "death of Catenaccio and triumph of Total Football."

Like the Hungarians before them, Holland produced a host of great names including Johan Neeskens, Ruud Krol, Johnny Rep, and one of the greatest soccer players of all time, Johan Cruyff.

So, the quality was evident. Now it was time to win the World Cup. The 1974 Finals between Holland and arch-rivals West Germany, which was touted as Total Football versus Total Discipline, saw the Germans employ their own interpretations of "Total Football" as they handled a Dutch side that lacked any killer instincts despite getting off to a fast start with an early goal. West Germany were victorious 2-1.

1978 saw the same story play over this time against the home side Argentina. With fans in a catatonic furious frenzy, the South Americans cruised to a 3-1 score.

Holland's track record:

• 1988 European Champions.

• Two-time World Cup finalists (1974, 1978). Three time semi-finalists and four times have reached the quarter-finals.

• During the 1970s, Holland earned a 48-18-19 record in 86 matches or a .663 winning percentage.

• Three bronze medals at the Olympics (1908, 1912, 1920)

There you have it. In sports, promises go unfulfilled all the time. Holland and Hungary were two examples of two innovative and supremely superiour soccer sides that simply could not win on the most important day.

Holland's soccer legacy remains in tact, while Hungary's roams around aimlessly. Holland are perennial favorites and they were indeed heavy favorites in 1998 in France. However, their dream came to end in the semi-finals; losing to Brazil in a shoot-out. In fact, throughout the 1990s, Holland continued to produce soccer stars of the highest quality.

Who could forget the Dutch trio of Marco Van Basten, Ruud Gullit, and Frank Rijkaard who represented AC Milan? Among the greatest club sides in soccer history. But that's another story altogether.