Football games across world to commemorate 150th anniversary of first international

Scotland drew 0-0 with England in Glasgow on St Andrew's Day in 1872

Author: Gabriel AntoniazziPublished 29th Nov 2022
Last updated 30th Nov 2022

Several football matches are taking place across the world on St Andrew's Day to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the first ever international game which took place between Scotland and England.

The match, played at the West of Scotland Cricket Club in Glasgow, ended 0-0 in front of 4,000 spectators on 30 November 1872.

Local schoolchildren will be joined by Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon to visit the pitch on Wednesday and play out a recreation of the original match.

Elsewhere, UK government diplomats have arranged Scotland v England matches around the globe in countries including Serbia, Poland and Mozambique.

History makers

The first official international game took place in 1872 between Scotland and England with club football still in its infancy across the United Kingdom.

Queen's Park, as Scotland's leading club at the time, helped organise the fixture with the English FA.

The game was agreed for St Andrew's Day and the West of Scotland Cricket Club's ground in Partick was selected as the venue.

All eleven players for Scotland came from Queen's Park.

4,000 locals paid a shilling to watch the encounter, with ended goalless.

It is recognised as one of the most significant moments in the development of international football.

The Scottish FA was formed off the back of the game.

Commemorations

St Andrew's Day celebrations will be taking place around the world on Wednesday, as will commemorations of the original game.

Local children from Hyndland Primary School in Glasgow will be joined by Scotland number one Craig Gordon to take to a specially laid pitch to play out their version of the famous match.

Diplomats from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office have arranged matches in countries including Serbia, Poland and Mozambique.

There will also be a game from staff from Abercrombie House, in East Kilbride, Lanarkshire this Sunday.

In 2023 there will be a "special 150th Anniversary Heritage Match" between the two nations.

Fans belting out the national anthem

Supporters at Glasgow's Euro fanzone


Football games across world to commemorate 150th anniversary of first international
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