Gyula Grosics

Gyula Grosics was born 4 February 1926 in Dorog, Hungary. Growing up, his mother encouraged him to be a priest, which later inspired his signature all-black match kits. Instead, Grosics began his professional football career in Dorog, playing for Dorogi Bányász in 1943. During World War II, he briefly fought for the Axis and was captured by American forces. ==Career==

In 1947, Grosics made his debut with the Hungary national team. With the rather short In 1953, Hungary beat England in a game dubbed "The Match of the Century". He was selected as the goalkeeper of the 1954 World Cup's All Star Team. Hungary entered the 1954 FIFA World Cup on a four-year unbeaten streak and as heavy favorites. However, the team lost in the final 3–2 to West Germany, a team they defeated 8–3 in the group stage. By 1954, Hungary had recorded 42 victories with Grosics in goal, 7 draws, and just that one loss. During the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, Grosics and his family fled the country and attempted to start a new life. However, they were forced to return. Grosics then transferred to Tatabánya Bányász SC. The national team went into decline, but made the 1958 and 1962 World Cups with Grosics in goal. When he was banned from transferring to Ferencvárosi TC after the 1962 season by the Communist Hungarian Sports Ministry, he retired. In total, Grosics played 86 games for the national team. He played in 390 Hungary first division games. In 2011, the Tatabánya football stadium was named after him. ==Style of play==

Grosics is credited with developing the "sweeper-keeper" style of play, whereby the goalkeeper can act as an extra defender when needed. ==Later life, and death==

After retiring, Grosics went into coaching. During his career, he held positions with several Hungarian teams and the Kuwait national team. When Hungary became a democracy in 1990, Grosics unsuccessfully ran for parliament under the Hungarian Democratic Forum. 46 years after being barred from signing with them. The 82-year-old Grosics performed the kick-off in a friendly match against Sheffield United. He was then substituted as the crowd gave a standing ovation. ==Honours==

Budapest Honvéd • Hungarian League: 1950, 1952, 1954, 1955 Hungary • Balkan Cup Champions: 1947 • Olympic Champions: 1952 • Central European Champions: 1953 • World Cup runner-up: 1954 Individual • Hungarian Football Federation Player of the Year: 1949, 1950 • FIFA World Cup: All-Star Team 1954 • World Soccer World XI: 1960, 1961 ==References==