Netherlands 1974: The Greatest Team Never to Win the World Cup? | How Good Were They?
In this episode of How Good Were They?, we revisit the legendary Netherlands 1974 World Cup squad, a team that changed football forever through Total Football. Led by Johan Cruyff and coached by Rinus Michels, this Dutch side wowed the world with their fluid positional play, pressing, and attacking brilliance. But despite their revolutionary style, they fell short in the final against West Germany.
We explore the stars — Cruyff, Johan Neeskens, Ruud Krol, Rob Rensenbrink, Johnny Rep — and how Ajax’s dominance at club level shaped this golden era of Dutch football. We relive iconic moments, including their goal in the World Cup final before West Germany even touched the ball.
Then come the curveballs: can you be considered truly great without winning a trophy? What if Cruyff had played in the 1978 World Cup? And did their commitment to beautiful football cost them the ultimate prize?
With quotes, fan opinions, and a deep dive into their lasting legacy, we ask: Was Netherlands 1974 the greatest team never to win it all?
🎧 Listen now and join the debate.
#Netherlands1974 #TotalFootball #Cruyff #WorldCup #FootballPodcast #Oranje
Bob Paisley: The Silent Genius Who Built Liverpool’s Empire | How Good Were They?
Bob Paisley is one of the greatest managers in football history — yet he’s rarely spoken about in the same breath as Sir Alex Ferguson, Pep Guardiola, or José Mourinho. In this episode of How Good Were They?, we dive deep into the career of the man who quietly transformed Liverpool into a European superpower.
Taking over from Bill Shankly in 1974, Paisley led Liverpool to 6 First Division titles, 3 European Cups, 3 League Cups, a UEFA Cup, and numerous domestic trophies in just 9 years. He remains the only British manager to win three European Cups, a record equalled by just a handful in world football.
We explore his understated style, his tactical genius, his ability to rebuild teams, and his role in the famous Liverpool “Boot Room.” We also ask the tough questions: did he inherit too much from Shankly, what if he had managed longer, and why is he not celebrated like other managerial greats?
Was Bob Paisley football’s forgotten GOAT, or simply underappreciated because he wasn’t a showman?
🎧 Listen now and decide: How Good Was Bob Paisley?
#BobPaisley #Liverpool #LFC #FootballPodcast #EuropeanCup #Ferguson #GOAT
Get hold of Alan’s Book - ‘Dreams and Songs to Sing’ here! https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dreams-Songs-Sing-Peoples-Liverpool/dp/1009340239
In this episode of How Good Were They?, we explore the legendary career of Mia Hamm, one of the greatest icons in the history of football. Hamm wasn’t just a prolific striker — she was a pioneer who changed the perception of women’s sport worldwide.
From her early dominance with the North Carolina Tar Heels to her professional career with the Washington Freedom, Hamm always delivered. But it was with the U.S. Women’s National Team that she became a global superstar — scoring 158 goals in 276 appearances, winning 2 FIFA Women’s World Cups (1991 & 1999), 2 Olympic gold medals, and earning back-to-back FIFA World Player of the Year awards in 2001 and 2002.
We dive into her style of play — pace, dribbling, intelligence, and leadership — while also exploring curveballs: did playing in a dominant U.S. team boost her reputation, how much did the lack of media coverage limit her global reach, and does her shorter professional club career affect her GOAT case?
Featuring quotes, fan opinions, and a deep dive into her legacy, we ask: Was Mia Hamm truly one of the greatest footballers of all time?
🎧 Listen now and join the debate!
Hashtags:
#MiaHamm #USWNT #WomensFootball #SoccerIcons #HowGoodWereThey #FootballPodcast #WomensWorldCup #SoccerLegend
In this episode of How Good Were They?, we dive deep into the career of Alan Shearer, the Premier League’s all-time top scorer with a staggering 260 goals. From his explosive rise at Southampton, to his title-winning heroics at Blackburn Rovers, and his legendary status at Newcastle United, Shearer’s story is one of goals, grit, and loyalty.
We break down his stats, his iconic hat-tricks, and his trademark celebration — that famous one arm in the air. But was Shearer truly a complete striker, or just a ruthless finisher?
The curveballs come in: Did his loyalty to Newcastle cost him more silverware? Would his style thrive in today’s faster, more technical Premier League? And how does his record stand in an era dominated by players like Haaland and Kane?
With quotes from teammates, opponents, and managers, plus fan opinions and a deep dive into his legacy, we ask the ultimate question: Was Alan Shearer one of the greatest strikers in football history, or simply the Premier League’s sharpest poacher?
🎧 Listen now and join the debate!
Hashtags:
#AlanShearer #PremierLeague #NewcastleUnited #BlackburnRovers #FootballPodcast #PLGOAT #HowGoodWereThey #StrikerGOAT #Shearer260
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In this episode of How Good Were They?, we dive into the legendary career of Sir Alex Ferguson, the most successful football manager in British history. From winning European silverware with Aberdeen to transforming Manchester United into a global powerhouse, Ferguson's reign reshaped modern football.
We explore his 13 Premier League titles, 2 UEFA Champions League wins, and unforgettable moments like the 1999 Treble. But was it just trophies — or something deeper? We unpack his man-management skills, his tactical adaptability, and his unmatched ability to rebuild title-winning squads across decades.
Then come the curveballs: Was his European record slightly underwhelming? Would he survive the modern era’s lack of patience? And did United’s financial dominance give him an unfair advantage?
With insight from legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Eric Cantona, and Pep Guardiola, plus fan verdicts and legacy talk, we ask the ultimate question: Was Sir Alex Ferguson truly the greatest manager of all time?
🎧 Hit play and relive the era of mind games, last-minute winners, and managerial genius.
Hashtags:
#SirAlexFerguson #ManchesterUnited #PremierLeague #FootballPodcast #ChampionsLeague #FootballHistory #HowGoodWereThey #FergusonEra #SoccerLegends #GOATManager
In this episode of How Good Were They?, we celebrate the magic of Ronaldinho Gaúcho, the Brazilian genius who turned football into pure art. From his early rise at Grêmio and PSG to his unforgettable peak at Barcelona, Ronaldinho lit up the world with skill, flair, and joy rarely seen at the highest level.
We relive his Ballon d’Or 2005 win, his role in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup victory, and his iconic moments: that audacious free‑kick against England, the night he received a standing ovation at the Bernabéu, and countless tricks that left defenders helpless. But was he truly one of the all‑time greats, or was his brilliance too brief?
In our trademark style, we throw in three curveballs: Was his prime too short? Did his off‑field lifestyle hold him back from even greater heights? And was he too much of a luxury player for modern systems?
With quotes from legends like Lionel Messi and Thierry Henry, plus listener opinions, we explore Ronaldinho’s influence on a generation and his lasting legacy in world football.
🎧 Listen now and fall in love with football all over again.
Hashtags:
#Ronaldinho #FCBarcelona #BrazilFootball #FootballPodcast #BallonDor #HowGoodWereThey #SoccerLegends #FootballHistory #LaLiga #WorldCup2002
In this episode of How Good Were They?, we take a deep dive into the legendary England 1966 World Cup-winning team — the only Three Lions squad to ever lift the World Cup. Led by Sir Alf Ramsey and captained by the iconic Bobby Moore, this side beat West Germany 4–2 in a dramatic final at Wembley, thanks to a hat-trick from Geoff Hurst and key performances from legends like Bobby Charlton and Gordon Banks.
But beyond the glory, how great was this team? We break down their style of play, tactical legacy, and the players who made history — while also throwing in three curveballs that might change how you remember 1966. Would they still have won with VAR? Did they truly dominate their era? And how would they cope in the modern game?
From football nostalgia to cold, hard reassessment — this is the definitive podcast episode on England’s most iconic team.
Keywords:
England 1966 podcast, World Cup history, Geoff Hurst hat-trick, Bobby Moore legacy, Alf Ramsey tactics, England football legends, 1966 final VAR, classic football analysis, Three Lions history
Hashtags:
#England1966 #WorldCupHistory #ThreeLions #FootballPodcast #HowGoodWereThey #BobbyMoore #GeoffHurst #EnglandLegends #ClassicFootball #VARDebate
In this episode of How Good Were They?, we dive into the remarkable and often underappreciated career of John Charles — the Welsh icon known as The Gentle Giant. From his goal-scoring brilliance at Leeds United to his legendary status at Juventus, Charles was one of the rare players to excel as both a centre-forward and a centre-half. Voted Juventus’ greatest-ever foreign player and included revered by Pele, Charles is a name that deserves to be remembered — but is often overlooked.
We cover his unique playing style, extraordinary discipline (never booked!), and his lasting legacy in both English and Italian football. Plus: three curveballs that make us re-evaluate how his story is told. Was he a victim of football’s pre-TV era? Would he be recognised as an all-time great in today’s game?
Hit play to find out: How good was John Charles, really?
Keywords:
John Charles podcast, Leeds United legend, Juventus history, Welsh football greats, FIFA 100 players, football GOATs, 1950s football, dual-position footballers, underrated footballers, Serie A history, football nostalgia
Hashtags:
#JohnCharles #FootballPodcast #LeedsUnited #Juventus #WalesFootball #GOATDebate #FIFA100 #FootballLegends #SerieAHistory #HowGoodWereThey
🎙️ How Good Were They? – Episode 4: Ferenc Puskás
In this episode, we explore the legendary career of Ferenc Puskás, the Hungarian icon whose name still defines goal-scoring greatness. From his early dominance at Budapest Honvéd to his stunning comeback with Real Madrid, Puskás racked up over 700 career goals and became one of football’s most influential figures.
We take you through his rise with Hungary’s Mighty Magyars, his iconic performance in the “Match of the Century” against England, and his remarkable late-career success in Spain — including four goals in a European Cup final. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing: exile from Hungary, a lost World Cup final, and years out of the game raise key curveball questions about how we measure his greatness.
Was he a stat-padder? Was his legend inflated by nostalgia? Or was he simply one of the most complete attackers in football history?
Packed with historical insight, legendary quotes, fan opinions, and a legacy that lives on in the FIFA Puskás Award, this is the definitive verdict on one of the game’s true icons.
✅ Keywords: Ferenc Puskás, Puskas Award, Real Madrid legends, Hungary golden team, greatest footballers, football history podcast, European Cup, Zico, Di Stéfano, classic goals
#Puskas #FerencPuskas #RealMadrid #MightyMagyars #FootballLegends #HowGoodWereThey #FootballPodcast #WorldCupHistory #GOATdebate
In this episode, we explore one of football’s most beloved yet bittersweet stories — the legendary Brazil 1982 World Cup squad. Led by Telê Santana and featuring icons like Zico, Sócrates, Falcão, and Éder, this team played some of the most beautiful football the world has ever seen. But despite dazzling fans and scoring sensational goals, they were knocked out in the quarter-finals by Italy in one of the World Cup’s most iconic matches.
We break down their fluid tactics, midfield magic, and unmatched flair — but also ask tough questions. Did their lack of defensive structure cost them greatness? Has nostalgia inflated their legacy? And what if they’d played in a different era?
Featuring legendary quotes, tactical insights, fan opinions, and our signature curveball section, we ask the ultimate question: Can a team that didn’t win still be truly great?
Perfect for fans of football history, World Cup nostalgia, and the eternal debate of style vs substance.
✅ Keywords: Brazil 1982, Zico, Sócrates, World Cup history, best football teams, Joga Bonito, greatest teams never to win, Brazil vs Italy 1982, Paolo Rossi, Telê Santana, football podcast, classic World Cup moments.
🎙️ How Good Were They? – Episode 2: Marco van Basten
In this episode, we dive into the dazzling yet tragically short career of Marco van Basten — the Dutch maestro whose name still echoes in football folklore. From his prolific goal-scoring spells at Ajax and AC Milan to iconic moments like that volley against the USSR in Euro ‘88 and his unforgettable hat-trick against England, we explore what made Van Basten a phenomenon.
We break down his playing style, his legendary partnerships with Gullit and Rijkaard, and how he redefined what it meant to be a complete striker. But we also throw in a few curveballs — how his career was derailed by injury, the eternal “what if” surrounding his potential, and the curious lack of a World Cup legacy.
You’ll hear quotes from the likes of Maldini, Sacchi, and Thierry Henry, plus opinions from our followers. In the end, we answer the big question: Was Marco van Basten truly great — or just a fleeting genius?
Hit play to find out.
Follow and subscribe for deep dives into the icons of football’s past. New episodes every week.
#MarcoVanBasten #FootballLegends #HowGoodWereThey #Podcast
🎙️ Welcome to this special episode of our podcast, where we dive deep into the legendary career of one of football’s greatest defenders — Paolo Maldini. From his debut as a teenager with AC Milan to becoming a symbol of elegance, discipline, and loyalty, Maldini defined what it means to be a world-class player.
In this episode, we explore what made Maldini so special. Was it his flawless positioning, his tactical intelligence, or the way he made defending look effortless? We break down his most iconic performances, his leadership on and off the pitch, and his influence on generations of defenders that followed.
Whether you watched him dominate Serie A and the Champions League, or you’ve only heard his name in GOAT debates, this is your chance to understand why Paolo Maldini isn’t just one of the best defenders — he’s one of the best players in football history.
📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your favorite Maldini moment!
#Maldini #PaoloMaldini #ACMilan #FootballLegends #GOATDefender #Podcast #SerieA #ChampionsLeague
The Football History Boys are back in 2024 and are kicking off the New Year looking back at some of football's history most significant and seismic law changes, from 1863, to the modern game and the scourge of VAR. Have a listen, and get involved in the conversation yourselves over on Twitter/X @TFHBs!
Make sure you have a watch of some of the videos mentioned in the pod on YouTube. We are also obsessed with Retro Football Management, the game that lets you take over loads of different clubs in various historical eras. Our favourite save was (unsuccessfully) trying to win Maradona’s Napoli the 1985 Scudetto! Check it out here!
The Football History Boys are back after a hiatus and are excited to be previewing our Twitter/X '#ClubLegendsWorldCup'! We have 32 legends lined up to compete in the online tournament following the success of our stadium, rivalry, crest and kit World Cups. Have a listen for the group draw and as we preview the big names. Plus we revisit VAR and have a quiz about some of football's greatest managers, check it out!
Make sure you get in touch with your thoughts and cast your votes at: @TFHBs.
TFHB are searching for the 100 best women's footballers to have ever played the beautiful game. We discuss the players who have made the long-list, your opinions, who would make our top 5 and are joined by some special guests. Make sure you head over to our Twitter to vote so your favourite doesn't miss out in our finals tournament. A big thank you to Emma Coolen, Professor Laura McAllister, Alex Culvin and Girls On The Ball!
Get involved by tweeting us: https://twitter.com/TFHBs or find the articles discussed over at our website: https://www.thefootballhistoryboys.com/. Our first book is now available to BUY here, or pre-order book 2 here!