2. Hungary
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GUhfhzMpfM The Golden Team were once the most dominant international team in the history of football. Under the ELO rating system a good version of the FIFA Rankings they achieved a score of 2166 points; a score no other international team has come close to matching - not even Spain. Between 1950 and 56 they won an incredible 42 matches and only lost one. Gusztav Sebes managed the team and revolutionised the sport. He put a firm focus on fitness, introduced the deep-lying centre forward and always encouraged his players to be versatile; a skill adopted by Total Football. Hungary were captained by the wonderful Ferenc Puskas, who is ranked as one of the best of all time. They won Olympic gold in 52 and the Central European International Cup with a 3-0 victory over Italy in 53. In 1953 they played England in a game dubbed the Match of the Century. England had never been beaten at home by a team from outside the British Isles and the FA due to their complacency at their role in inventing the sport believed themselves to be superior to any other team. At Wembley, in front 105,000 fans, Hungary absolutely demolished England. By the 27th minute they were 4-1 up and the match finished 6-3. The result shocked English clubs into adopting foreign coaching methods and tactics. England wanted revenge and challenged the Golden Team to a match in Hungary. The encounter ended 7-1 to the home team Englands heaviest defeat at the time. The 1954 World Cup was the focal point for the Golden Team. They tore teams apart on their way to the final, where they met Germany. The match was later dubbed The Miracle of Berne. Germany came from two down to win 3-2; although three controversial decisions did go against Hungary. Hungary later defeated Scotland 4-2 at Hampden Park and the Soviet Union who were undefeated at home by one goal in Moscow. Sebes was sacked, the Hungarian Revolution erupted in Budapest and the team parted ways. Puskas immigrated to Spain and the Golden Team was finished. No international team has matched the strength of the Mighty Magyars and although they never won the World Cup they are remembered fondly for their brilliance. Why not try to create another Golden Team and fulfil their promise by winning the World Cup?