In the 21st Century, so many sporting tournaments have already been held in different countries multiple times. These executive decisions are no joke and often reflect a country’s economic viability as it exhibits one’s capabilities to host such significant events. The FIFA World Cup is not an exception to this. But in 1986, Mexico became … Read more
The professional footballing career of Frank Wignall includes Everton, Nottingham Forest, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Derby County, and Mansfield Town. The centre forward also represented England at the international level. For a club-record fee of around £20,000, he signed for Nottingham Forest from Everton in 1963. During his first two seasons at the City Ground, he was … Read more
February 18 has been a busy day in soccer history. We review what has happened on this day over the years. 1882 England defeats Ireland 13-0 in a victory in front of 2,500 fans in Belfast. The first player to represent England from Aston Villa scored 5 goals on his debut. His Villa teammate, Arthur … Read more
We share some of the highs and lows of what has happened on February 16 over the years in football. 1847 The first English soccer superstar, Lord Arthur Kinnaird was born in Perth, Scotland on February 16th, 1847. He was the first son of Arthur Fitzgerald Kinnaird and Mary Jane Kinnaird (born Hoare). February 16, … Read more
The fourth UEFA European Football Championship tournament, widely known as Euro 1972, was held in Belgium between June 14-18, 1972. UEFA Euro 1972 was only contested by four countries, with the tournament consisting of a semi-final, a third-place play-off, and the final. The UEFA European Football Championship qualifying round was comprised of 32 countries divided into … Read more
The sight of England trooping off the field after Alessandro Diamanti’s penalty sent Joe Hart the wrong way to clinch a place in the Euro 2012 semi finals was a depressingly familiar sight. England penalty misses have been a curse that players representing the country have struggled with over the past three decades. It seems … Read more
Having spent his formative years in a religious home in Hull, Ebenezer Cobb Morley, seen as the founder of the modern game, inherited important qualities, beneficial qualities which no doubt helped him during his future organizational roles. Initially, Ebenezer Cobb Morley trained in Hull and may have worked for his father’s solicitors Messrs. Phillips & … Read more
Could it possibly be so that a village in Hong Kong known for its laundry and dairy services provided nearly all players for the China Olympic soccer team in 1936? That was the suggestion in a report produced by James Hayes, who wrote, “For unknown reasons, the old Tai Hang families produced a great many … Read more
As a player with Estudiantes de La Plata in the 1960s and as Argentina’s manager during the 1986 World Cup, Carlos Bilardo achieved worldwide renown. The team came close to reclaiming the title in 1990, reaching the final. During his time as Argentina’s manager, he was renowned for consistently using the 3–5–2 formation. The formation … Read more
We review the breaking stories on this day in soccer history for February 22. 1958 Two weeks after the tragic Munich Disaster, Manchester United returned to the pitch for the first time. Assistant manager Jimmy Murphy takes control, and Alex Dawson helps them to a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford. With Sir … Read more