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When afforded the opportunity to meet a bona fide World Cup legend nervousness ensues.  It's like encountering Bobby Orr or perhaps Jack Nicklaus.

Eusebio da Silva Ferreira is, after all, just a man.

But he happens to be the most revered player in Portuguese football history. So famous that he is referred to throughout the world by a single moniker.

Everyone in this game knows Eusebio.

For someone old enough to remember the 1966 World Cup that England won on home soil, there is also the understanding that Eusebio almost stole the show. Born in Mozambique, (then known as Portuguese East Africa), the first of the great African strikers scored nine goals in the tournament and won the Golden Boot. 

They called him the "Black Pearl." His streaking style and thundering right foot became fabled.  Eusebio scored four goals in a single game against North Korea and erased a 3-0 deficit to send Portugal into the semifinals against England.

Even though he scored against the eventual champions before 90,000 fans at Wembley Stadium, Eusebio could not propel Portugal any further and he left the field in tears after a 2-1 defeat.

The fans loved him for it. 

Eusebio's passion was reflected in his play and as a trailblazer for African footballers he is clearly lionized.  Even though he never returned to a World Cup he headlined the European professional game for years wearing the colours of Benfica in his adopted home of Portugal.

"But I am African," he says proudly.  Eusebio peers over reading glasses, a small concession to advancing age. "I played in Portugal but I am African and so I'm very happy that the World Cup will be on African soil."

The great star was hobbled with knee problems in the latter days of his playing career but Eusebio made a lasting impression on Canadian devotees. He led Toronto Metros-Croatia to the North American Soccer League title in 1976. This in spite of a coach named Ivan Marcovic who benched him mid-season against Pele and the New York Cosmos.

As the story unfolded Marcovic was fired after a 3-0 loss and Eusebio was named the captain.  The rest is history as Toronto rolled to the championship with Eusebio at the fore.

"He was the most gracious and genuine star there was," says Bobby Iarusci who played with Eusebio on that team. Iarusci would go onto a distinguished NASL career competing alongside greats of the game like Pele, Beckenbauer and Cruyff. 

Eusebio was his favourite teammate by far.

"He had an aura of greatness about him," Iarusci says. "Yet he transferred humility and simplicity to the people he built relationships with. As a 21-year-old I can't imagine how I would have turned out if I hadn't met Eusebio. Today he still calls me his Canadian son."

Together, Iarusci, Eusebio and the entire Toronto Metros-Croatia squad of 1976 are enshrined in this country's soccer hall of fame. But it is Eusebio who remains the beacon.

He rightfully claims status as one of the greatest players in the history of the game. He is also a pioneer for the sport in Africa and North America.

"I was proud to play in Canada," Eusebio beams. "To make a difference for the young people of Toronto. "    

There was nothing to be nervous about in meeting Eusebio. 

As it is with all truly legendary figures there is substance beyond the aura.