Firsts · 1872

The first international

Real football fact

The facts

On 30 November 1872 Scotland played England in the first official international football match, at Hamilton Crescent, the West of Scotland Cricket Club’s ground in Partick, Glasgow.
It finished 0–0, and about 4,000 people watched.
England lined up with 1 back, 1 half-back and 8 forwards (1-1-8). Scotland, all Queen’s Park players, used 2 backs, 2 half-backs and 6 forwards (2-2-6).
England relied more on dribbling. A newspaper wrote that the Scots seemed to be “adepts in passing the ball”.

30 Nov 1872 · Partick, Glasgow: Scotland play England at Hamilton Crescent, the West of Scotland Cricket Club’s ground. It is the first official international football match.
Kick-off · Eight forwards: England line up with 1 back, 1 half-back and 8 forwards. Scotland, all Queen’s Park players, play 2 backs, 2 half-backs and 6 forwards.
Full time · 0–0: About 4,000 people watch a goalless draw.
Two weeks later · “Adepts in passing”: The Graphic said England had more individual skill, but the Scots seemed to be “adepts in passing the ball”.
A pass moves the ball faster than any runner, and one defender can only mark one player. Spread out, and the ball can go round them.

Pass and move: the ball travels faster than any dribbler, so find the teammate in space.