Presented here is a Soviet Union (CCCP) National Team home jersey from the 1982 FIFA World Cup (hosted by Spain) worn by Ukrainian defender Anatoliy Demyanenko and preserved in the Oscar Bernardi Collection. On June 14, the Soviets  faced Brazil in their opening match at Pizjuán Stadium in Sevilla. Behind 1-0 late in the second half, Brazil rallied with goals from  Sócrates and Éder in the final 15 minutes to beat the Soviets, 2-1. Both teams advanced out of Group 6 but were eliminated in the next round. Italy eventually defeated West Germany in the final. After the match, Demyanenko and Oscar, Brazil's center-back, exchanged shirts and this has been in Oscar's possession ever since.

Born in Ukraine, Demyanenko appeared in three World Cups and earned 80 caps (fourth most in USSR history) with six goals while playing primarily left-back from 1981 to 1990. He was a longtime captain for Dynamo Kyiv, appearing in 333 matches from 1979 to 1991 and scoring 28 goals. A prolific left-footed player, he could patrol the entire flank from defense to offense similar to Roberto Carlos. In 2000, he was voted the 3rd best player in a Ukrainian 'Team of the Century' poll behind only Andrei Shevchenko and Oleg Blokhin.

The short-sleeve jersey made by Adidas comes in red with subtle white pinstripes, a white V-neck collar and white ribbed cuffs on the sleeve ends. The Adidas three-stripe pattern runs down the shoulders and the brand's Trefoil logo appears on the the left chest. The right chest bears the embroidered Soviet state emblem — the hammer and sickle in gold on a red square patch — and "CCCP" is prominently displayed in white felt letters across the front. The reverse has the player number "6" affixed in white triple-outline style consistent with Soviet player jerseys at the '82 World Cup. Properly tagged with an Adidas size and materials label inside the collar, the shirt shows solid match wear evidence including fabric pilling and back number crinkling.

The Oscar Bernardi Collection

This shirt comes from the personal collection of José Oscar Bernardi, better known as Oscar, who played for the Brazil National Team from 1977 to 1986. Included is a letter of provenance signed by Oscar. Most jerseys in the collection were obtained directly through player swaps after competition. Others were acquired via gifts or trade with footballers in Oscar’s wide network of teammates and friends. At age 71, he still resides in Brazil and is ready for his collection to be appreciated by others in the hobby.