Silver Road and Golden Stripes, Yet Another Football TL

[Wings]

Early 1955
An emergency meeting of FIFA is called, as the success of WC 1954 just came in. Most members want a more regular World Cup that would truly represent the best team in the world, while teams could prepare towards the next WC in four years time.
It was then that Gabriel Hanot, editor of french journal L'Equipe, who recently saw his proposition of an inter-european club competition shot down, proposed the format for an inter-country competition, with home and away legs, which would promote competition between the top teams of the world and let rookies shine if the main squad could not make it. The plan was good, however it required several logistical constraints which meant it could not be applied until October 1955, date of the first League of Nations tournament, which would have its finals in Paris for its first edition.
The participants of this first ever Nations League would be:
Hungary, West Germany, England, Austria, Yugoslavia, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Scotland, France and Belgium for Europe
Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay for South America
Taiwan for Asia
The winner would eventually be awarded a golden stripe instead of the golden star on its federation border.

Short Intro, but you get the gist of it, the UEFA Champions League/European Cup is replaced by a Nations League with the same format. The idea is a bit far-fetched, but I thought it could be fun playing with.

 

[Wings]

The first edition of the Football Nations League would therefore kick off in October of 1955. In order to reduce transport time, South American and European squads were put on opposite sides of the bracket, with Taiwan being placed with European squads. The South American side of the bracket went relatively smoothly for both favorites, Brazil and Argentina, who would cruise on to beat their opponents Uruguay and Paraguay. Argentina suffered a misstep in Montevideo however, losing to the Uruguayan side by one goal with no big consequences. The Quarter-Final against Brazil would prove to be explosive.
On the European side of the bracket, things were much more complicated. Both Italy and Yugoslavia would find their matchups very difficult, with Italy drawing Spain in Barcelona while Yugoslavia only managed to hold a 1-0 victory against Sweden in Zagreb. The second leg would prove fatal to both teams, with Italy being much more solid and taking down Spain in Milan, while Sweden would shock the world by beating Yugoslavia, widely considered to be a dark horse of the tournament.
Scotland also proved to be quite the team. While no one really put them to beat Austria, the Scottish side proved to be much more resilient than expected, beating Austria both in Vienna and in Glasgow, securing a Quarter-Final spot. On the other hand, England didn't show the greatest of faces despite an easy matchup against France, who had been laminated at the previous WC. Despite a win at Wembley, the English team sunk with all hands at the Parc des Princes, conceding a gigantic 4-0 defeat against the Kopa-led french team.
Hungary didn't need much effort to beat Taiwan (who played its return leg in Damascus), however favorites West Germany didn't look especially good going into their match against Belgium, although they were indeed able to beat the Belgians twice.

Brazil face off against Paraguay in Asuncion

Austria runs for goal during their 5-2 home defeat to Scotland

QF Matchups:
Argentina v Brazil
Scotland v Spain
Sweden v France
Hungary v West Germany
(Bracket Order)

 

[Wings]

There were two South American teams before quarter-finals, and there will be only one moving on to the semi-finals. The Argentina v Brazil match proved to be a big event in South America to show who was actually the best in the continent. Indeed Argentina had chosen not to take part in WC 1954, while Brazil did not go to Copa America 1955, a tournament that Argentina won. Tension was therefore high in Buenos Aires for the opening leg, and both teams wanted to prove superiority, with star argentinian player Micheli's two goals being answered by one for Julinho and one for Didi. The 2-2 draw in Buenos Aires advantaged Brazil, but Argentinian fans felt confident they could win in RIo. However, this was not to be and Brazil won by 2 goals to secure their spot in the semi finals. The Brazilians would then have to face against Scotland, who after holding Spain to a 1-0 defeat in Glasgow, managed to score a decisive goal in Madrid that would send them to the semi-finals on away goals, the first team to do so in Nations League history.
The Sweden vs France matchup was not as hyped as its opposing bracket match, however it was an undecisive one, with neither team really being above the other. However France would not be able to get a win at home in Lille, as Sweden just suffocates them, and France would not be able to repeat the Swedish feat in Stockholm, sending Sweden to the semi-finals. The second matchup however, was the remake of the 1954 WC final, and people were excited to see if the "Miracle of Bern" was actually a miracle. Hungary kicked things off in Budapest by defying Germany and holding on to their 2-0 lead for once, clinging to the victory. In Munich, Germany did not manage to bring back the fire of Bern and left the pitch on a goalless draw.

Didi in action against Argentina

Puskas and Kocsis celebrate their second goal against West Germany

 

[Wings]

The Semi-Finals would be spaced slighlty further apart to accomodate the Brazilian and Scottish squads moving towards each country. For the first time, Brazil would play an international tournament game in Natal to cut travel time with Scotland, but it would still not benefit the Scottish who fall against a much more organised Brazilian squad. Scotland would be able to get a draw in Hampden Park though, saving face and exiting the tournament with their heads held high.
For Hungary versus Sweden, it wouldn't be even remotely close, the Swedes getting swept both times against the World Cup finalists who headed straight towards the final in Paris.

Scottish players in action at Hampden Park

Still from the return leg of Sweden-Hungary, in Budapest

Edit: For the curious ones, the finals of the next editions will be: Lima (1957), Stockholm (1958), Chicago (1959) and Paris again (1960).

 

[Wings]

The long awaited final came to end the 1955-56 season, and Hungary came into the match with a clear advantage over Brazil. Brazil would try for a new miracle of Bern in Paris, however this would not be the case, with Hungary absolutely dominating the field in the first half. However, Brazil's staunch defending would halt the Hungarian advance until Puskas finally opened the scoreline. It was then an easy road for Hungary in the second half, who scored two against Brazil, sealing the Brazilian fate. Didi would be able to score one in return in the end, but it would not be enough to prevent Puskas and Kocsis from getting their first ever international title. This would also be the last, as the Hungarian Uprising would soon shatter the Hungarian squad, a mere ten days later...

Spoiler

Hungary and Brazil in action at the Parc des Princes

Signed Photograph of Ferenc Puskas with the Nations League trophy following the final

 

[Wings]

Nations League 1955-56

Winners: Hungary - 1st Title
Top Scorer: Kocsis (HUN) - 12 goals
Participants: Argentina (1), Uruguay (1), Brazil (1), Paraguay (1), Austria (1), Scotland (1), Italy (1), Spain (1), Yugoslavia (1), Sweden (1), England (1), France (1), Hungary (1), Taiwan (1), West Germany (1), Belgium (1)

1956-57 Participants:
Europe: Hungary, West Germany, England, Yugoslavia, Austria, Italy, France, Spain, Scotland & Sweden
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay & Peru
Asia: Taiwan

Final Location: Lima, Peru
Bracket Order:
Argentina v Paraguay
Brazil v Peru
Uruguay v Taiwan
England v Scotland
Austria v France
Hungary v Italy
Yugoslavia v Spain
West Germany v Sweden

 

[Wings]

The Round of 16 of the second edition of the Nations League started in South America, with both Argentina and Brazil potentially meeting in Quarters due to their position in the bracket. Argentina were thirsty for revenge against Brazil and made sure there was no chance for Paraguay, slamming them in Mendoza. Their reserve would then also go on to easily handle Paraguay in Asuncion, although in a much closer matchup. Peru were also eager to prove themselves, with the final being at home in Lima, however Brazil would never give them even the slightest of chances and would advance to face Argentina once more.
Uruguay were quite glad that they didn't have to face either of the South American monsters, and instead had an easy time destroying Taiwan at home and away. The real fight on this side of the bracket was the big clash between rivals Scotland and England. After last year's defeat at the hands of France, England were thirsty for revenge, and easily dismantled Scotland at Wembley, completely overrunning the scottish defense in what was thought ot be a close match. Scotland suddenly found themselves needing to win by 3 at Hampden Park to make it out, but it was not to be, and England snatched a quarter-final spot by drawing the Scots in Glasgow.
The European side of the bracket was quite interesting, as after the collapse of the 1954 Hungarian squad due to the Hungarian Revolution, no team had a clear advantage over the others. France started off the bottom side of the bracket by beating Austria in Vienna, and then once more at home in Marseilles. Hungary on the other hand still had some of the 1954 touch in them, but their team had been stripped bare. They managed to get a difficult win off of Italy and draw in Milan, but passing through France would be a much more difficult feat to pull off.
Spain would prove the world that they are a force to be contended with in Europe, as Yugoslavia is taken aback in both their games, with Spain winning the home game, and drawing in Albania (both matches were played on neutral ground due to the relations between the two states). Meanwhile, 1954 WC winners West Germany did manage to get a win off of Sweden in West Berlin, beating the Swedes 3-2, however they would be taken aback as they fall to the Swedes in Gothenburg by a single goal, yet that single goal would prove to be fatal to the Germans who would go home on away goals.

Still from England v Scotland in Wembley

The Swedish squad poses for a photo before their qualifying match against West Germany

 

[Wings]

As the Quarter-Finals approached, the clash between Argentina and Brazil showed itself once more, with more or less the same squads from last year's matches. Once more Argentina were the first to host the Quarter-Final, however although they did lead 2-0, with another two goals scored by Didi to come back to 2-2, this time Argentina managed to dominate the game sufficiently to be able to score one last goal before the end of the game. However, this would still advantage Brazil who needed only to win 1-0 to advance. In the Estadio Maracana, this exact scenario happened, as Brazil scored early and had the game in their hands. However Argentina proved to be much more methodical and patient than a year before, and managed to score right after the second half, never losing the advantage from then on and qualifying for the Semi-Finals. Another south american squad would also find success, and that would be Uruguay. Due to the bracket layout, they avoided both Argentina and Brazil and instead had to face England. After a tiring journey to Montevideo, England were in no shape to contest the victory to Uruguay, who won 3-1. However, England did expect the same advantage for them in Wembley but it was not to be, as Uruguay fought hard and ended up taking the game 3-2, qualifying themselves to face Argentina.
On the continental side of the bracket, France versus Hungary was a long anticipated match, as France had shown growth since their last encounter with the Hungarians. This time, Hungary looked lost without their main players, and fell hard in Paris, losing 6-2. The return in Budapest would give them some hope as they led the game 2-0, however France were once more quick to react and equalized, before taking the lead. Hungary barely managed to salvage a draw, but were nevertheless eliminated. There was much less contest in the clash between Spain and Sweden, as Sweden was completely rinced in Barcelona, with Di Stefano scoring two for Spain, enabling his squad to take the win 3-1. Sweden would not fall down too hard and ended up still taking a draw in Solna, but had to let Spain go through to face France in the semi-finals.

Still from the Argentina v Brazil first leg in Buenos Aires

Still from Spain v Sweden first leg at Barcelona's Camp Nou.

 

[Wings]

The Semi-Finals of the 1957 edition were highly anticipated as being quite close, in both the South American and European brackets. Argentina were the first to recieve their opponents, Uruguay, in Buenos Aires. The Argentines opened the scoreline but were quickly matched by Uruguay. The Albiceleste did manage to score one more, however it would be it, and Uruguay found themselves in a good position at Estadio Centenario. However, the Uruguayans failed to score a single goal against the argentinians, who make it out with a 0-0 draw and qualify for the final.
In Europe, France would be content with their home leg, managing to hold the Spaniards to a 1-1 draw in the Parc des Princes. However, they would be quickly run over by the Gento and Di Stefano-led Spanish squad, losing by two goals despite an early score opener by star striker Just Fontaine. Spain would therefore move on to the final.

Gento in action against France

 

[Wings]

The final came to South America this time around, with 60,000 people stacked in Lima's Estadio Nacional to watch the final of the second edition of the Nation's League. Most of these 60,000 were already embracing the Argentinian cause but about 700 Spaniards came to support their team in Lima. The first shock of the final would come before the game even started, with Alfredo Di Stefano, one of Spain's star strikers, declining the call to play in the final, citing political and personal pressures not to do so. The ex-argentinian therefore wouldn't be playing on the field that day, and would be a critical point of contention later on once the result would be known. Argentina soon found themselves in the driver's seat, scoring two before half-time quite easily. The Spanish, used to have Di Stefano in front, had to move Gento to center and therefore were not used to playing in this configuration. This would result in them only managing to find the net after 53 minutes of play, but wouldn't matter as Spain could not come forth with one more goal, letting Argentina escape with the game.

Spoiler

Humberto Maschio, captain of the Argentine team, poses for a photo before kick-off

Alonso saves a shot by Cruz during the second half of the final

Picture of the winning Argentinian team after the end of the match

 

[Wings]

Nations League 1956-57

Winners: Argentina - 1st title
Top Scorer: Fontaine (FRA) - 14 goals
Participants: Argentina (2), Uruguay (2), Brazil (2), Paraguay (2), Taiwan (2), England (2), Scotland (2), Austria (2), France (2), Hungary (2), Italy (2), Yugoslavia (2), Spain (2), West Germany (2), Sweden (2), Peru (1)

1957-58 Participants:
Europe: Hungary, England, West Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, USSR, Yugoslavia, Spain, Scotland, France, Italy & Sweden
South America: Argentina, Brazil & Uruguay
Asia: North Korea

Final Location: Solna, Sweden
Bracket Order:
Brazil v North Korea
Argentina v Uruguay
West Germany v Yugoslavia
USSR v Spain
Austria v Scotland
Czechoslovakia v France
Hungary v Sweden
England v Italy

 

[Wings]

The Round of 16 starts off as usual in South America, with both Brazil and Argentina facing against North Korea and Uruguay respectively. Brazil would absolutely dismember North Korea similarly to what the Taiwanese suffered in the past years. The Argentinians would not have that easy of a road, as even if they handle Uruguay easily during the first leg in Buenos Aires, the game in Montevideo would prove to be much harder, Argentina losing by two and nearly getting eliminated if not for some great saves, leading to another Argentina v Brazil clash.
While West Germany would easily dominate Yugoslavia in Munich before drawing in Zagreb, the big game was Spain versus the Soviet Union. Because of international relations, both nations refused to play on each othe's home soil, leading to the first leg being played in Helsinki, with the second leg in Zurich. Spain would prove to be largely better than the USSR, beating them in Finland, then again in Switzerland with ease.
No luck for the Scots this time around as well, as they lose in Vienna against Austria on a lucky free kick shot finding its way into the top right corner. Scotland would not be able to recover in Glasgow, only managing to hold a draw and exiting the competition. The big game of this side of the bracket was Czechoslovakia v France, with the Czechs snatching the first leg in Prague. However the Czechs would find themselves quickly overrun in Paris as Kopa's squad would blow open the game, eliminating Czechoslovakia.
The final two games would see Hungary snatching their qualification in Sweden by scoring a goal in Stockholm after winning 1-0 at home, moving forward thanks to the away goals rule. England would sink with their Scottish neighbours, but they would sink at home in Wembley where Italy put two goals past the English keeper. With no options left, England was forced into a goaless draw in Milan and would have to exit the competition there and then.

Pele in action against North Korea in Brasilia.

Fontaine scores his second against Czechoslovakia in Paris

 

[Wings]

The Quarter-Finals start as usual with the South American matchup in Rio de Janeiro. This time Argentina was prepared for Brazil, and despite two goals by young prodigy Pele, Brazil conceded a draw with Argentina scoring two. The return leg in Buenos Aires would be a great game, with both teams wanting to secure the win as quickly as possible. Once more Argentina was more prepared than Brazil, and scored two before half-time. Brazil were then desperate to score and although they would put one in with Vava, wouldn't be able to win the day, letting Argentina slip through to the semi-finals. West Germany v Spain would also prove to be a big match, with Germany barely winning the first leg in Frankfurt. The return in Barcelona was a big event, and similarly to the Argentina v Brazil game, it was very close. In the end, Gento and Di Stefano could not answer Rahn and Seeler and would end up also getting eliminated.
France was expected to easily dominate Austria on their side of things but it was not to be. Instead the austrians proved to be a serious match for the French who conceded two. For the return leg in Marseilles, France was not about to let the humiliation go unpunished, and led by Fontaine, who would score four out of the five, would qualify and erase the tragedy of the first leg. Finally, Hungary was in for a big confrontation against Italy, and despite losing their star players, were still a force to be reckoned with. The Hungarians surprised the Italians in Budapest, before assuring themselves their ticket to the Semi-Finals in Naples by holding their draw.

Pele scores in the first leg of Brazil v Argentina

 

[Wings]

With the Semi-Finals underway, Argentina were the first to play on their home soil, recieving West Germany in Buenos Aires. It was a tough match, but neither team could emerge victorious, Rahn answering Corbatta in the second half. The second leg would be a whole different story. After taking three different flights and nearly a day of travel, the argentinians came exhausted to West Berlin, where they were absolutely demolished by the West German squad who headed striahg to the final. This would inspire FIFA to generalise charter flights for participating countries in the Nations League.
France on the other hand would pull off a masterful performance in Paris, scoring two (one Fontaine, one Kopa) and heading confident into the return leg. However, Hungary would not go down without a fight and surprised France in Budapest with an early goal from Tichy. It wouldn't be enough to topple the roosters who cruised to the final in Stockholm...

Germany battles Argentina in West Berlin

 

[Wings]

The final of the 1958 Nations League was finally due, with 45,500 fans storming the Rasunda Stadium in Solna, just ahead of the World Cup there. France would take control of the game quite quickly, with Fontaine even scoring a goal. However the French would underestimate the Germans ability to recover, and Rahn quickly headed in an equalizer. But France had more than one trick up their sleeve, with Kopa regulating the midfield as he did in Real Madrid, eventually choking out Germany and scoring one more before half-time. This tactic would continue with Piantoni scoring France's third after 70 minutes. Seeler's late goal would not save West Germany as their collective action would only be a fluke as France won their first ever international tournament, and would soon confirm their good form at the 1958 WC.

Spoiler

Fontaine is held up in triumph after France's win

Di Stefano hands his Real Madrid teammate Kopa the winners trophy

 

[Wings]

Nations League 1957-58

Winners: France - 1st title
Top Scorer: Fontaine (FRA) - 10 goals
Participants: Brazil (3), Argentina (3), Uruguay (3), West Germany (3), Yugoslavia (3), Spain (3), Austria (3), Scotland (3), France (3), Hungary (3), Sweden (3), England (3), Italy (3), North Korea (1), USSR (1), Czechoslovakia (1)

1958-59 Participants:
Europe: Hungary, England, West Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, USSR, Yugoslavia, Spain, Scotland, France, Italy
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay
North America: USA
Asia: North Korea

Final Location: Chicago, USA
Bracket Order:
USA v Brazil
Argentina v Uruguay
West Germany v Spain
Hungary v Italy
England v Yugoslavia
Austria v France
USSR v Scotland
Czechoslovakia v North Korea

 

[Wings]

The Americas would kick off the Round of 16 for this edition. And it would begin in Soldier Field, location of the final, where the US would recieve Brazil. It was predicted that Brazil could easily beat the US, however Brazil chose to test its younger squad against the Americans. However, they disappointed and only held a draw, leading to the 1958 winners being fielded in Brasilia, where Brazil won the day 4-0. Argentina and Uruguay met again, and once again Argentina prevailed. The Albiceleste left no chance to Uruguay in Mendoza, and despite losing in Montevideo, the Argentines still had a sufficient margin of error to pass onto the Quarter-Finals, to face off against Brazil once more.
The first part of the European bracket would prove to be most interesting. Particularly, the West Germany v Spain matchup would prove to be one of the biggest games of this tournament. Indeed, everyone thought that when West Germany slammed Spain in Bonn, this was that. However, the Spaniards showed much resilience in Madrid, resilience that allowed them to crawl their way back into a game where they were being led 1-0, to win 3-1 and qualify for the next round. There, they would have to face Hungary, who once again proved to be too much for Italy, who lacked coordination in every spot.
The dark years would continue for England. Facing against the rising Yugoslavians, England would prove to be no match for the squad. In Wembley, England would concede 5 goals, scoring only two in return. The defeat would be so bad, the Three Lions did not even bother sending their A-team to Belgrade. In response, Yugoslavia also sent their U-21s, leading to a dull 1-1 draw. France on the other hand would not let themselves be surprised like last year in Vienna. This time they came focused and wrecked Austria 6-2. Keeping their star players such as Kopa and Fontaine fresh for the Quarter-Final against Yugoslavia, the B-team was fielded in Nantes, where France still won the day, gliding towards the dreaded Yugoslavian matchup.
The bottom side of the bracket would be nicknamed the "Red" bracket, due to the three communist nations competing in it. The second Soviet appearance in the tournament would be the one where the Soviets would pass towards the Quarter-Finals, being no match for Scotland in Leningrad. The Soviets took it easy at Hampden Park, hanging on to a 1-0 victory to secure their ticket for the Quarter-Finals. Czechoslovakia, their European comrades would have a long way to travel after their intitial victory in Prague. Going through the Transsiberian Railway, playing friendlies against the local clubs on the way, the Czechs would finally face North Korea in Pyongyang, to date the only game played in an international FIFA tournament in North Korea. The Czechs would win the day, but come out of this voyage exhausted as they went into their match against the USSR.

Argentinian players celebrate their win over Uruguay

Scotland in action against the USSR in an empty Leningrad Stadium.

 

[Wings]

Brazil and Argentina would once again kick off the Quarter-Finals on the American side of the bracket, and yet again it would prove to be a heated contest for the win. Brazil were the first to recieve, and after a hard fought game, only managed to hold a tie. Argentina would prove to be much tougher than expected, and resisted in Buenos Aires, answering evert Brazilian goal with one of their own. Unfortunately for them, Pele's side was too much to handle and the Albiceleste would not advance, although they technically did not lose to the Selecao. In Europe, after their demonstration against West Germany, Spain were expected to easily win their Quarter-Final against Hungary. It was not to be however, as Hungary held the draw in Valencia, then against all odds forced Spain into a tough spot, leading 2-0 at half-time in Budapest. Despite Gento's best efforts Spain would not be able to recover, letting Hungary slip past into the Semi-Finals.
The "Red" side of the bracket would first see Yugoslavia take on France. Hyped up as a big match, it was indeed a tough contest, but Yugoslavia ended up on top in Belgrade. The return leg in Paris was even more disputed, but Kopa's France would fall due to a wobbly defense to the much superior Yugoslavian offense. The Yugoslavs would find the Soviets in the Semi-Finals, as the Soviet squad easily breezed through a thoroughly tired Czechoslovakian squad, beating them both in Moscow and Prague.

Argentina level against Brazil for the second time in Buenos Aires

Yugoslavia power through France at the Parc des Princes

 

[Wings]

Brazil headed into the Semi-Finals as clear favorites against Hungary. This sentiment would be further proven as the Brazilians absolutely dismantled Hungary in every single line, beating the Europeans 4-0 in Sao Paulo. However, Hungary would not go down without a fight, butting heads with Brazil in Budapest, even surprising the Brazilians with a single goal, winning the game and going out with their heads high.
The real contest was between Yugoslavia and the USSR, who fought each other in neutral Greece and Finland, with Yugoslavia conceding a draw in the former. Everyone then thought the Soviets would just breeze through in the return leg, but it was not to be, as Yugoslavia got their act together, and despite an impressive performance by Lev Tashin, managed to slip through into the Final against Brazil.

The Soviets try to force a play onto Yugoslavia in their "Home" leg in Helsinki

 

[Wings]

The United States would for the first time be treated to international football via the final of the Nations League of 1959 at Chicago's Soldier Field. The Americans were curious as what this new sport had to offer, and the draw against Brazil had even more people hopeful about the future of the sport in the US. The venue was then packed for the clash between Brazil and Yugoslavia for the final. Both Brazil and Yugoslavia had come a long way to play, and so were both in quite tired spirit. However, the week spent in the US had benefitted both, and the tiredness factor wouldn't be much of an issue. Brazil started strong, with their young prodigy Pele scoring after only 10 minuted of play. However, Yugoslavia held firm, and after a good run by Veselinovic, Petakovic found Gilmar's top left corner, evening out the score. Brazil wouldn't be undone by the Yugoslavian performance and showed a whole new face during the second half, destroying the Yugoslavian hopes by scoring 4 in a row. Veselinovic's last minute volley kick would only be consolatory for Yugoslavia, who bent to the Brazilian dynasty.

Spoiler

Brazil on the offense

Elation for Brazil as they win their first Nations League.