Masopust was the pick of the fine generation of Czech players who peaked at the 1962 World Cup, reaching the final in Chile before losing 3-1 to Brazil.
Originally a left-sided player, Masopust migrated to center of the pitch where his strength, stamina and tidy ball skills allowed him more influence.
Czechoslovakia was unfancied prior to the 1962 finals. Masopust had been part of the side that beat Argentina 6-1 in Sweden in 1958 but then flopped against Northern Ireland in a first round playoff. Although it had subsequently finished third at the 1960 European Championships, it had only qualified for the World Cup finals by beating Scotland in a playoff.
But after advancing from their group behind Brazil, Masopust and his teammates were handed an all-European route to the final.
Hungary was beaten 1-0 and a 3-1 win over Yugoslavia in the semis set up a rematch with the Brazilians, whom the Czechs had already held to a goalless draw.
Masopust gave his side its best moment when he raced through to score after 15 minutes but Czechoslovakia's lead only lasted two minutes before the defending champion took control.
But Masopust's contribution to the competition would earn him the European Footballer of the Year award.
