33·Legends

Anatoli Ilyin vs Eduard Streltsov

Russia against Russia. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.

AI

Anatoli Ilyin

Russia · 1949–62 · LM

Almanac rating
88
Rank in Russia
#9 of 33
Caps
31 · 16 goals
Clubs
Spartak Moscow
Honours
2× Hall of Fame

Three minutes after half time in Melbourne on 8 December 1956, he scored the only goal of the Olympic final against Yugoslavia, and two years later he opened the European Championship's very first match four minutes in. Olympic gold in 1956 came with five Soviet league titles and a cup at Spartak Moscow, two league scoring crowns, and the goal that knocked England out of the 1958 World Cup. Career record: 31 caps and 16 goals for Russia; club career at Spartak Moscow; honours include 2× Hall of Fame.

vs
ES

Eduard Streltsov

Russia · CAM

Almanac rating
93
Rank in Russia
#2 of 33
Caps
38 · 25 goals
Clubs
FC Torpedo Moscow
Honours
Hall of Fame

The gifted 'Russian Pelé' was a phenomenal talent for Torpedo Moscow and the USSR, renowned for his audacious skill, powerful shot, and iconic 'Streltsov pass'. Career record: 38 caps and 25 goals for Russia; club career at FC Torpedo Moscow; honours include Hall of Fame.

The verdict

The almanac puts Eduard Streltsov ahead by 5 rating points, 93 against 88.

Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.

More arguments