We’ve previously published several Soviet Union Vintage posts in our series and this particular one focuses on striking images taken in and around the Soviet camp during the 1960 European Nations Cup, the 1962 World Cup and games played in the run up to and during the 1966 World Cup.

The 1960s was the decade the Soviets came in from the cold to take their place in the international game and their powerful teams brought the success and the propaganda boost the ruling communist party had hoped for when it ended its self-imposed isolation. As ever, click any of the images to open the gallery.

Soviet Union line up before the European Nations Cup Final 1960

Soviet Union & Yugoslav captains Neto and Kostic before start of 1960 European Nations Final

The Soviet Union celebrate their 2-1 win over Yugoslavia to win the 1960 European Nations Final

Chile v Soviet Union, 1962 World Cup

Soviet Union 1966

Slava Metreveli and Lev Yashin during training in preparation for the 1966 World Cup

Albert Shesternev leads out the Soviets before a 1966 international v Turkey

Soviet Union line-up v Turkey, 1966

Soviet Union coach Nikolai Morozov, 1966

Anatoli Banichevski, Soviet Union, 1966

Soviet Union at Roker Park, Sunderland during the 1966 World Cup

Coach Morozov instructs his players before the Soviet Union World Cup game with North Korea, 1966