The Hungarian side of the early 1950s was not just brilliantly talented but also tactically innovative. With a system that encouraged freedom of movement the "Magical Magyars" arguably pioneered "total football" 20 years before the Dutch.
Hidegkuti's re-invention of the center forward's position was crucial in Hungary's success. By dropping deep he exploited the rigidly defined space between defense and midfield, pulling opposing sides apart and creating space for the fluid movements of Ferenc Puskas and Sandor Kocsis.
By the time of the 1954 finals in Switzerland, Hungary was unbeaten in four years. It had won Olympic gold in 1952 and famously destroyed England 6-3 at Wembley a year later, a game in which Hidegkuti scored a hat trick.
The Hungarians quickly justified their status as favorites by beating South Korea 9-0, and Hidegkuti scored twice in their 8-3 win over West Germany. He was on target again in the quarterfinal as Hungary beat Brazil 4-2 in the "Battle of Berne" -- a match that ended with both teams fighting each other in their dressing rooms -- and in Hungary's 4-2 win over Uruguay in their classic semifinal.
In the final Hungary raced into a two-goal lead but a West German side galvanized by its earlier humiliation refused to buckle. After 18 minutes the score was level. Hungary continued to attack and Hidegkuti struck the post in the second half but good fortune had deserted it. With six minutes left Helmut Rahn sealed West Germany's remarkable victory.
Four years later Hidegkuti was in the side that went to Sweden, but the uprising of 1956 had deprived Hungary of many of its great players and it failed to make an impression.
