Bern aftermath

In Hungary though disappointment turned to anger as in Budapest people took to the streets and openly demonstrated against the regime with some believing that the seeds of the 56 uprising were sown.

The political turmoil of 1956 were over two hundred and fifty thousand Hungarian’s demonstrated against the state, as they demanded the withdrawal of Soviet troops, free press and elections as well as the reinstatement of Nagy as Prime Minister escalated into violence causing more uncertainty.

Honved using a European Cup tie against Bilbao took their players on a European tour and accepted an invitation to play a series of friendlies in Brazil and Venezuela. The Hungarian FA and FIFA declared the tour illegal and with the prospect of suspension or even worse Kocsis, Czibor, and Puskas did not return taking up their careers in Spain with Puskas enjoying more success by joining Real Madrid and even representing Spain four times. Kocsis and Czibor both joined the Catalan giants Barcelona winning further honours during their time at the club.

Not surprisingly Hungary were never to reach such heights again although they did reach the quarter finals of the 1962 and 1966 World Cup. However no Hungarian team so far as ever come close to eclipsing the Magical Magyars.