Silver Road and Golden Stripes, Yet Another Football TL

[Wings]

Winners: Brazil - 4th title
Top Scorers: Pele (BRA), Vava (BRA) & Denis Law (SCO) - 7 goals

1963-64 Participants:
Europe: USSR (6), Hungary (9), Spain (9), England (9), Italy (8), Romania (1), Scotland (9), West Germany (9), Czechoslovakia (6), Sweden (9), Yugoslavia (9)
South America: Argentina (9), Brazil (9), Uruguay (9), Chile (3)
Africa: Egypt (1)

Final Location: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Bracket Order:
Uruguay v Argentina
Brazil v Chile
England v Czechoslovakia
Spain v West Germany
Hungary v Scotland
Italy v Sweden
Romania v Egypt
USSR v Yugoslavia

 

[Wings]

As usual, this new edition of the Nations League would start in South America, with Argentina not facing off directly against Brazil, and instead facing off against Uruguay. The Argentines seemed much stronger than the year before, drawing in Montevideo, but thrashing Uruguay back in Mendoza. They would therefore move on to face off against their rivals Brazil, who didn't have to force against Chile, winning both the home and away legs without too much difficulty.
England would face off Czechoslovakia in Old Trafford, in what would prove to be an epic game. After scoring three goals in a row and thrashing the Czechs, England started to waiver, and lost focus. The Czechs found their opening, quickly coming back to level the score. Charlton would save the day, scoring at the last minute, but England learnt their lesson. Their overconfidence wouldn't come back to the surface again, as they kept the 1-0 scoreline the whole game in Prague. On the other hand, Spain also had a rough time, but thanks to Martinez and Gento, managed to beat West Germany in Barcelona. The return leg was a struggle, but Gento saved Spain yet again, scoring the goal that would send Spain into the Quarter-Finals against England.
Like last year, Scotland would face off against Hungary, and like last year, they would hold a draw in Budapest. However, they would not draw again in Glasgow, and this time the ex-finalists would defeat Hungary, joining Italy, who had beaten Sweden, in the Quarter-Finals.
Eyes were then turned towards Romania, who participated for the first time, along with Egypt. Although Romania won the first leg, the Egyptians would hold a draw in Cairo, and be the second African nation to hold a draw after Ghana's performance against Italy last year in the Nations League. There were no surprises in the USSR however, who completely obliterated Yugoslavia during their first confrontation, leaving little hope afterwards for Yugoslavia to come back.

Brazil's Flavio scores against Chile in Brazil's return leg against the South American squad (2-1)

Spain's Luis Suarez takes a free kick against West Germany in Spain's home leg (2-0)

 

[Wings]

This time, Brazil's undefeated road would finally come at an end, once more against their nemesis Argentina. Indeed, Pele's squad was unable to do anything against the Albiceleste who dominated them in every compartment. In the end, Brazil would see their hopes dashed with a 3-0 defeat. Their sorrow wasn't over however, as the Maracana saw Argentina go on a rampage, scoring four goals, answered nearly each time by Brazil, who had to concede their defeat. Spain, on the other side of the Atlantic, would finally redeem themselves. After losing in Wembley, Spain would finally come to their senses, and thanks to Martinez and Suarez, would advance in Barcelona to the semi-finals against Argentina.
Scotland would continue on their victorious path. Despite not being favorites against Italy, the Scots led by Denis Law still beat the Squadra Azzura in Hampden Park, before drawing in front of a bewildered Italian crowd in Naples. Scotland would once more advance, this time against the USSR, who seemed to be unstoppable. After drawing in Bucharest, the Soviets put the Romanians through the Yugoslavia treatment in Kyiv, moving on towards the Semi-Finals in style.

Spanish players celebrate after eliminating England

Lev Yashin rises up to save a goal in Kyiv against Romania (4-0)

 

[Wings]

Without Brazil in the semi-finals, the race for the title is blown right open. And with that, Argentina found themselves with a ton of pressure going up against Spain. The Argentinians would prove to be effective though, winning in Buenos Aires and letting only one Spanish goal go through. However that goal would come back to haunt them, as in Sevilla Argentina found themselves unable to score, while Gento would fire home Spain's only shot on target, leading them to the final.
Scotland on the other hand would prove to be completely overwhelmed by the Soviets. Despite high hopes for the Scottish squad, the USSR destroyed the Scots in Glasgow, despite only winning by a short margin, before dashing any hopes the Scots had at coming back by putting four nails in the scottish muscovite coffin.

Law sees his shot saved by Yashin as Scotland sink in Moscow (4-1)

 

[Wings]

Fans in Spain were ecstatic with the thought of their home team winning it all in Madrid, therefore an attendance was set that day at Santiago Bernabu in Madrid. Indeed the game would attract 91,333 fans, a number that would only be beaten in 1986, more than twenty years later, and remains the second-largest attendance record for a Nations League final to this day. Unbeknownst to both teams, they would find themselves facing each other off in the same stadium just two months later for the European Cup final. Spain took on the early pressure, but failed to score despite two attempts on target. The Soviets wouldn't need that many attempts though, and with their first shot, silenced the Santiago Bernabeu as Khusianov fired into Vicente's net. The Spaniards wouldn't take long to react though, and 5 minutes later, Santiago Bernabeu would finally erupt as Martinez hammers in the equalizer. However, despite Spain forcing towards the Soviet net, the score would remain level at half-time. Gento would nearly give Spain the advantage at the 50th minute, but a heroic save by Yashin would prevent it, while ten minutes later, Soviet defender Anichkin would save a shot by Suarez that went passed Yashin right on the line. Spain would have to wait the 79th minute, with a corner kick finding its way onto Martinez's left foot after being pushed back by the Soviet defense. From then on, the Soviets were on the back foot, and Suarez hammered in the final goal at the last minute, giving Spain their first - and not last - victory in the Nations League.

Spoiler

Alexey Voronin saves a Spanish attempt at goal early on in the match

Martinez scores the second goal for Spain.

Spanish players raise the trophy over Santiago Bernabeu

 

[Wings]

Winners: Spain - 1st Title
Top Scorers: Marcelino Martinez (ESP), Viktor Ponedelnik (SOV) & Jimmy Greaves (ENG) - 5 goals

1964-65 Participants:
Europe: Hungary (10), Soviet Union (7), England (10), Italy (9), West Germany (10), Czechoslovakia (7), Spain (10), Romania (2), Scotland (10)
South America: Brazil (10), Argentina (10), Uruguay (10)
North America: Mexico (5)
Africa: Tunisia (1), Egypt (2)
Asia: North Korea (4)

Final Location: Stade Chedli Zouiten, Tunis
Bracket Order
Brazil v Mexico
Argentina v Uruguay
Soviet Union v Spain
Hungary v Romania
England v North Korea
West Germany v Scotland
Italy v Czechoslovakia
Tunisia v Egypt

Location of Finals up to 1970:
1966 - Glasgow
1967 - Montevideo
1968 - Rome
1969 - London
1970 - Mexico City

 

[Wings]

As usual, the competition would start in the Americas, with the return of Mexico, who had been absent for three years from the competition. However, their return wouldn't last long as they faced Brazil in Manaus, and got beaten to the ground. With no chance of qualifying, Mexico left it all on the pitch in Mexico City, to no avail as the Brazilians still snagged the victory. Argentina on the other hand entered a difficult phase, as their brilliant elimination of Brazil last year made way for a much more scared team. And it showed against Uruguay, as Argentina were unable to find the win at home, and quickly fell to Uruguay in the return game.
The Soviets and Spanish would have the opportunity to go at each other once more, and in Moscow, the Soviets took revenge for both 1964 finals by beating Spain 3-1. However, last year's hero Martinez would once more step up, putting two past Yashin in Barcelona and qualifying Spain for the Quarter-Finals. There they would meet Hungary, who easily beat Romania at home, before holding their 3-0 lead in Bucharest afterwards.
For England, the first round was a piece of cake, with two large wins over North Korea to go on to the next round. Scotland were eager to measure themselves once more against their rivals England, and dove straight in against West Germany, getting an upset win over the Germans in West Berlin thanks to two goals by star player Denis Law. All the Scots had to do from then on was defend in Edinburgh, and that they did, holding to their 1-1 draw.
For Italy, the disappointements would continue. After failing to do well last year, they would end up being crushed by Czechoslovakia here, despite a good draw in Milan. But the focus was switched towards Africa, as with the first final in an African country, FIFA had insisted to get a home/away game between two african nations: final hosts Tunisia, and widely regarded best African team Egypt. Tunisia were not favorites at all, but they still managed to sting Egypt, catching them unaware, and in front of a jubilant crowd, scored four against the Egyptians. Egypt unfortunately wouldn't be able to recover from that and despite winning in Cairo, still let Tunisia advance to the Quarter-Finals.

Argentine players contest a referee decision to give Uruguay a free kick during the home leg of Argentina - Uruguay (1-1)

Still from Scotland v West Germany (1-1)

 

[Wings]

With Argentina out of the picture, Pele's Brazil were expected to run over the Uruguayans. However, defeating the Celeste would prove to be much more of a hassle for Brazil than expected. In Fortaleza, Pele and Jairzinho were answered by one Uruguayan goal, which would come back to bite them in the return leg, as Uruguay opened up the scoreline in Montevideo. Brazil did not panic though, and came back, scoring two, while Uruguay only could hang onto a draw.
On the other side of the Atlantic, Spain would once more pass by the skin of their teeth, winning by the smallest of margins in Valencia against Hungary, before losing in Budapest. However, Suarez would save Spain by scoring the goal needed for La Rioja to advance to the Semi-Finals against Brazil. On the other side of the bracket, England and Scotland met again with the same animosity that defines their games. England were looking for a good performance in Old Trafford but it would be quite the opposite. Facing against a strong Scottish squad, they wouldn't be able to take home the win. Scotland chose their stadium well, facing England in Pittodrie, more to the north, where England had never yet played. Charlton's squad was expecting Hampden, but faced against Scotland in Aberdeen, they were caught off guard, allowing Scotland to take over with a 2-0 lead at half-time. England would never come back, and let victory slip away with Scotland moving on to the Semi-Finals. There, they would face Czechoslovakia, which easily defeated Tunisia, despite losing in Tunis, although the Cezchs fielded the reserve team there.

Scotland and England stop playing in Old Trafford after a collision between two players from each side.

 

[Wings]

Brazil and Spain were both big question marks heading into the Semi-Finals. Brazil had had trouble against Uruguay, while Spain were less than convincing in both their games leading up to their confrontation with Brazil in Recife. Brazil were more than confident, but Spain were the first to strike, with Suarez scoring early on. Destabilized, Brazil were unable to catch up and left the field battered and beaten. With no options left, Brazil were overwhelmed in Sevilla, and couldn't break Spain, leaving the Spanish to go for their second final in a row.
It was an easier time for Scotland, but not the way people would have thought. After drawing in Hampden Park, bets were on Czechoslovakia to at least hold in Prague. It wouldn't be the case however, as Scotland went ballistic, scoring four before half-time, and bringing the final scoreline to 5-0.

Brazil fail to score yet again against Spain in their return leg in Sevilla

 

[Wings]

The two European squads would not have to travel far to dispute the final of the Nations League. The first ever edition final to be disputed in Africa, it would also put a record, the lowest ever attendance for a Nations League final. However, the stadium was packed to full capacity with fans from both sides. The first half saw little action, with both sides just feeling each other. No real action got going until the 30th minute, where the action kicked off as Suarez hit the post in his first shot of the game. However, despite Spain keeping possession of the ball, Scotland were the first to score, with an amazing display of talent by Denis Law, who dribbles two spanish defenders before scoring. Gento would try to even out the score before half-time, but once again his ball passes slightly left of the left goal post. Spain wouldn't let the pressure down after half-time though, and after close to 20 minutes trying to even it out, a lone shot by Marcelino Martinez would end up in the back of the Scottish net. Elation was short-lived for Scotland however, as they soon collapsed under the Scottish offense, which put two goals (one by Law and one by Henderson) past the Spanish defense in less than 10 minutes. Gento would score one but it is already too late, as Spain would never find their way back into the game or the Scottish net for that matter, as the Scots win their first ever international title.

Spoiler

Spain on the offensive against Scotland

Scottish players celebrate as the final whistle is blown

 

[Wings]

Winners: Scotland - 1st title
Top Scorers: Bobby Charlton (ENG) & Denis Law (SCO) - 6 goals

1965-66 Participants:
Europe: England (11), West Germany (11), Portugal (1), USSR (8), Hungary (11), Italy (10), Czechoslovakia (8), Spain (11), Romania (3), Scotland (11)
South America: Argentina (11), Brazil (11), Uruguay (11)
North America: Mexico (6)
Africa: Ghana (2)
Asia: North Korea (5)

Final Location: Hampden Park, Glasgow
Bracket Order:
Brazil v Argentina
Uruguay v Mexico
West Germany v Spain
England v Romania
Portugal v North Korea
USSR v Czechoslovakia
Hungary v Ghana
Italy v Scotland

 

[Wings]

As usual things kick off in South America, with giants Argentina and Brazil clashing yet again. However, this big confrontation wouldn't even be close. Decimated by injuries, Brazil wouldn't even be able to put on a fight, holding on in Rio but sinking 3-1 in Buenos Aires. It would be a much more fair fight between Mexico and Uruguay, with Mexico holding a draw in Montevideo to kick things off. However, Uruguay would prove to be much more resourceful, and managed to snatch a victory in Mexico without much difficulty, against a baffled Mexican squad.
Spain were once more put up to the test against West Germany. The Germans had been rising up and managed to beat Spain fair and square in Munich, but the Spanish had more tricks under their belt. With Gento and Suarez in full form, they managed to turn it around in Sevilla, managing to score two while the Germans couldn't get past the Spanish defense. Spain would face a much tougher opponent in England in the Quarter-Finals, who annihilated Romania in London, before putting the reserve team in Bucharest. With Hurst scoring two, England finally found a good composition and looked scary as the World Cup approaches.
On the other side of the bracket, there were few surprises. First timers Portugal were quick to annihilate any opposition the North Koreans put up, while the Soviets made quick work of the Czechoslovakians. Hungary likewise made quick work of the Ghaneans, while Scotland beat Italy once more.

Spanish players defend against a West German attack

Portuguese and North Korean players duke it out in Moscow.

 

[Wings]

With the Quarter-Finals underway, a new confrontation emerged in South America, between Argentina and Uruguay. Despite being favorites, Argentina didn't live up to expectations, faltering as they failed to beat Uruguay by a wide margin in Buenos Aires. Expectations were that Argentina at least hold a draw in Montevideo, but it was not to be, and the Albiceleste crumbled in front of Uruguay, who passed to the Semi-Finals for the first time ever.
On the other side of the ocean, last year's finalists Spain didn't manage to hold against England. Led by Charlton and Hurst, the English didn't deliver a solid performance in Spain, but completely annihilated the Spaniards in London, leading England towards the Semi-Finals. Portugal on the other hand once more stopped the Soviets in their tracks. Despite the Soviets being clear favorites, Eusebio's squad showed the USSR the exit after a masterful performance in Lisbon. Despite a setback in the return leg, the Selecao still qualified for the Semis, where they would meet Scotland, who are determined to make the final at home in Hampden Park.

Portugal take on the USSR in Lisbon (2-0)

 

[Wings]

England and Uruguay were the first to lock heads in the Semi-Finals. The Uruguayans wouldn't be able to break England at all at home, but the English showed little offensive talent either. Their performance in Uruguay was night and day compared to the performance the English put on at home in Birmingham. The English blasted Uruguay 2 to 0 at half-time, before scoring two more before the 60th minute, while Uruguay completely collapsed.
Scotland would see their dream of making the final at home shattered by Portugal. Often forgotten by the Scottish defense, Eusebio found his way into the box twice during the first leg, slamming the Scottish chances. The Scots were however still optimistic, a 2-0 victory could lead them to Hampden Park, but they wouldn't be the ones to score two goals. Despite losing Eusebio, who was forgotten by the team at the airport in Lisbon, Portugal still showed a strong performance, with goals from both Augusto and Torres scoring before half-time. Although Scotland did score one with Law, they wouldn't be able to come back, and found themselves eliminated right before the final.

Uruguayan players argue a decision against them during the return leg against England (1-4)

 

[Wings]

Hampden Park, despite the Scottish loss in the Semi-Finals, was packed for the final of the 1965-66 Nations League. The Scottish crowd had a tough decision to make that day though, rally behind their enemy England, or those who had shattered their dream in Portugal. Needless to say there were a lot of Portuguese flags that day at Hampden Park. And these flags started waving early on, as Portugal found two successive openings in the English defense, with both Torres and Eusebio scoring before the English could react. Nevertheless, two good saves by Gordon Banks on the star Portuguese striker saved England from trailing 4 to 0 before half-time. No one knows what Alf Ramsey told his players at half-time, but it sure worked. England came out a completely different team, and started pressing on. Soon, the Three Lions found their opening with Hurst putting England back in the race, while a corner kick deviated by Wilson would come back onto Jack Charlton who equalized. English joy was short-lived however, as Portugal soon collected themselves, and Jose Augusto served Torres who once more put Portugal in the lead. England found themselves trailing again, and never came back. Despite their best efforts, the Three Lions found themselves outclassed, and even conceded one last goal from Portugal, who would go on to win their first ever Nations League title.

Spoiler

England shoot for goal during the Final

Gordon Banks saves England from another Portuguese goal

Celebrations in the Scottish night as Portugal win the Nations League

 

[Wings]

Winners: Portugal - 1st title
Top Scorers: Geoff Hurst (ENG) & Eduard Malofeyev (SOV) - 6 goals

1966-67 Participants:
Europe: England (12), West Germany (12), USSR (9), Hungary (12), Italy (11), Portugal (2), Czechoslovakia (9), Spain (12), East Germany (1), Bulgaria (1), Yugoslavia (10), Scotland (12)
South America: Argentina (12), Brazil (12), Uruguay (12)
Asia: North Korea (6)

Final Location: Estadio Centenario, Montevideo
Bracket Order:
Argentina v Brazil
Uruguay v North Korea
Hungary v East Germany
England v Bulgaria
USSR v Yugoslavia
Portugal v Czechoslovakia
West Germany v Scotland
Italy v Spain

 

[Wings]

Once more South America kicks off the Nations League season, with enemies Brazil and Argentina facing each other. This time Brazil came out much more convincing than before, holding a tie in Argentina, and finally showing some signs of life at home in Porto Alegre, as thousands of fans finally saw the resurgence of their team, who proceeded to go towards the Quarter-Finals thanks to a goal from Jair. There they would meet Uruguay, who easily defeated North Korea.
East Germany and Bulgaria would start off with no real glory for their first Nations League. The Germans would fall twice to Hungary, while Bulgaria would fall in England, but did manage to hold a draw against the Three Lions on the return leg in Sofia. The Soviets would advance once more to the Quarter-Finals, once again by beating Yugoslavia twice, although this confrontation was much closer this time around. They would then face titleholders Portugal in the Quarters, who had beaten Czechoslovakia without too much difficulty.
World Cup finalists West Germany would finally wake up from the slump they'd been in the past years, not making Quarter-Finals. This time they would finally have a chance to shine, beating Scotland in Munich, while drawing at Hampden. For the first time in what felt like forever, Germany were through. They would have to play against a reinvigorated Spanish squad, who just came out of defeating Italy, in a similar situation to Germany, except the Italians seemed unable to break the curse of the Round of 16 exit.

Brazil's Pele is back in action against Argentina (2-2)

Uwe Seeler keeps control of the ball during the return leg against Scotland (1-1)

 

[Wings]

Brazil had a tough time proving they were really back in the fight for the title, as Uruguay put up quite a fight in Sao Paulo. It took two goals from Jairzinho for the Selecao to come back from a 2-1 deficit at half-time and give them some air. In Montevideo, Brazil came back more organized and didn't let Uruguay back into the match, drawing 1-1. However, this match would be quite worrying, considering they'd have to face England in the Semi-Finals. However the Three Lions didn't shine either, losing during the first leg, and only barely managing to hang on to the victory in Old Trafford, as a big performance by Gordon Banks kept their hopes of a shot at glory alive.
Nothing changes for the USSR, once again knocked out by Portugal. And it started so well for Lev Yashin's squad, who put up a great performance in Kiev, scoring three while Aguas was the only scorer for Portugal. However, they would be thrashed in Portugal, courtesy of three goals from Eusebio, who seemed untouchable in the Soviet defense. The Portuguese would face off against West Germany in the Semi-Finals, who barely managed to squeeze past Spain on away goals.

Jairzinho in action against Uruguay (3-2).

 

[Wings]

Both Brazil and England came into these Semi-Finals with questionnable performances, therefore big question marks were put on both teams heading into the opening leg of the semi-final in Fortaleza. However, all question marks were removed once the game started. Brazil completely choked England out of their own half of the pitch. With two goals, Brazil set themselves up for a clean game. However, in the last minutes, Hurst managed to pull off a goal owing to the Brazilian defense already thinking they'd secured the win. England had reason to hope for a win in Wembley, but it wasn't to be. Brazil didn't let them exist on the return leg, winning by scoring three goals to England's only one.
Brazil would head into a lusophone confrontation for the Final, with Portugal absolutely demolishing West Germany in their opening leg, thanks to a stellar Eusebio once more. The Germans did not go down without a fight, managing to make the Portuguese fight for their qualification in Frankfurt, but the difference was too great for the World Cup finalists, who had to concede the qualification to Portugal in the end.

The Brazilian players salute fans at Fortaleza after their win over England

 

[Wings]

The Final of the 1966-67 edition kicked off in Montevideo, for South America's first final in 4 years. The Lusophone final was hyped up, as Brazil finally seemed to have regained form, while Portugal looked invulnerable despite some difficulties during their away games. And indeed Brazil owned the first half, putting a lot of pressure onto the Portuguese defense who only managed to defend against the onslaught. However, the light for Portugal came from their star player Eusebio. After suffering for 28 minutes, Portugal finally got a counter-attack going, with Aguas managing to find Eusebio on the spot. However, Eusebio was brought down by a Brazilian defender, to the shock of the Selecao. Eusebio did himself justice, and without a single shot on target, Portugal took the lead. Despite Brazilian attempts from Pele, Jair or Jairzinho, it was no use, Brazil conceded a one goal deficit at half-time. During the second half, Portugal finally came alive, with the Brazilians not being able to put enough pressure in front of the Portuguese goal. Finally, Simoes scored the goal that would sink Brazilian morale after 60 minutes of play time. Twenty minutes later, Coluna scored the final goal, which would be the final nail in the coffin for Brazil, who despite putting up a great fight, with 16 shots on target to Portugal's 5, could only look on as Portugal won their second Nations League in a row.

Spoiler

Eusebio scores the first goal of the game on penalty

Brazil's attempts to get a goal back are unsuccessful

Brazilian players being frustrated after Portugal's third goal