Linnemann Funeral Homes

As such, the things we love can no longer sustain our wonder according to how we hope they are; rather, we must rely instead on how they actually are, a terrifying standard in any context.In 1954, television came for soccer: The Swiss World Cup was the first to be televised and the first to be immortalized in official film, a serious challenge for a competition still learning about itself. Typically, soccer obliged to an unfathomable extent, delivering a multitude of goalscoring records that still stand, including: highest per-game average (5.38!), highest team goal total and goal difference (Hungary, 27 and plus-17), and highest for and against total by a winner (West Germany, 25 and 14).But no competition can be judged solely by such a standard, particularly when there were so many thrashings. Every World Cup is great, but a great World Cup — one that is great not just in the moment but for all time — is defined by great games, between great teams, starring great players. Switzerland ’54 supplied every last bit of that and more, particularly a final that might still be the most momentous match ever played. Hungary captain Ferenc Puskás scores against England at Wembley Stadium in 1953. William Vanderson/Fox Photos/Getty Images Before the competition — indeed, before all but its last six minutes — the outcome was certain: Hungary would be champions. For a full four years they were dominant, winning 24 and drawing four of 28 games, scoring 119 times in the process, their winning margins more interclass than international. Sporting import, though, is measured not in data but delight. And the Magical Magyars, the Golden Team, Aranycsapat, were innovative, imaginative, vicious, and charming; even Switzerland could not remain neutral in their connection.Due to Europe’s geographical and political divisions, it was ...