Events Today
The birth of American soccer in Waukesha
The history of soccer in the US began in Waukesha, Wisconsin, when students from Carroll College took part in the country’s first recorded association football match. The students challenged a local team and secured a 5-2 victory. Played under the standardised rules created by the Football Association in 1863, the match marked the earliest known example of organised soccer being played in the US.
Billy Smith makes history from the corner flag
Huddersfield Town’s Billy Smith made English football history by scoring directly from a corner against Arsenal. The goal came just months after a change to the laws made such strikes legal. Smith’s historic effort helped Town to a 4-0 victory during their second consecutive First Division title-winning season.
Bill Nicholson's Spurs reign begins with a 10-4 classic at White Hart Lane
Bill Nicholson's Tottenham reign began in spectacular fashion. Appointed manager on the morning of 11 October 1958, the 39-year-old former Spurs player took charge of a struggling side sitting 16th in the First Division. His first match could hardly have gone better. Tottenham tore Everton apart at White Hart Lane, racing into a 6-1 half-time lead before eventually winning 10-4.
Pelé conquers Lisbon in one of football's greatest performances
Santos became the first winners of the Intercontinental Cup after beating Benfica 5-2 in Lisbon. Pelé scored a hat-trick in one of the competition's greatest individual performances, while Coutinho and Pepe also found the net. Santos won 8-4 on aggregate after a 3-2 victory in the first leg.
Paul Ince makes history as England qualify for France '98
Paul Ince became the first black player to captain England as they drew 0-0 with Italy in Rome to qualify for the 1998 World Cup. With Alan Shearer injured, Ince wore the armband and produced a heroic performance, playing through a head injury that required stitches as England secured the draw they needed. For Ince, it was a landmark night - and one that became synonymous with his bloodied head.
The divot that doomed England in Zagreb
England suffered a damaging 2-0 defeat to Croatia in Euro 2008 qualifying. Eduardo headed the hosts in front before a bizarre own goal by goalkeeper Paul Robinson — after a Gary Neville back-pass hit a divot and bounced over his foot — sealed Croatia’s victory in Zagreb.
The night Andorra finally won a European qualifier
Andorra ended a remarkable 21-year wait for a European Championship qualifying victory by beating Moldova 1-0. Marc Vales' 63rd-minute header ended a run of 56 consecutive defeats in the competition since their first qualifier against Armenia in 1998.