The Twelve of England twelve, with a more nationalist tone, apparently inspired by his research into Camões and Garrett, but also possibly motivated by the 1890 British Ultimatum, which had provoked a strong anti-British feeling in republican-nationalist circles in Portugal at that time. The legend took a new life when the Portugal national football team made their debut at the 1966 FIFA World Cup hosted in England. Led by eventual top-scorer Eusébio, they reached third place in the tournament. The Portuguese newspaper press gave the fabled team the nickname "Os Magriços", in reference to the "Twelve of England". Although the legend was familiar to
John Neal (footballer, born 1966) John Neal (footballer, born 1966) John James Neal (born 11 March 1966) is a former professional footballer who played as a forward in the Football League for Millwall. Neal was born in Hornsey, in the London Borough of Haringey, and played football for England Schoolboys. He then played for the Republic of Ireland in two European Championships at U18 level. He finished top scorer in the competition and went on to play in the 1985 FIFA World Youth Championship. At club level, he made six appearances in the 1983–84 Football League Third Division for Millwall. He moved on to Barnet,