On 30 November 1872, in Partick – a suburb of Glasgow now part of the city – the first match between Scotland (the hosts) and England was scheduled. The result is 0-0 but it is considered the first official match ever played between two national football teams. The referee was the Scot Willy Keay, with both national teams not having a coach, but were both governed by a committee. A record that is recognized between UEFA and FIFA, although contested by the two national teams who think that the first match is the one in London two years earlier.
However, the first challenge considered official took place on 5 March 1870. The five matches were organized by Charles William Alcock (with the patronage of the Football Association). Footballer, referee and cricketer, he decided that the first match should be played at The Oval, a stadium which is now used for cricket matches, near Kennington, a suburb of London. Entry cost one shilling and all the players came from Queen’s Park, a Glasgow club that takes inspiration from the better-known London club for its colours. However, it is the oldest club in Scotland and for this reason it supplied players to the so-called national team of the time. The 1870 match ended 1-1.
Scotland
Gardner, Ker, Taylor, Thomson, J. Smith, R. Smith, Leckie, Rhind, MacKinnon, Weir.
Trainer: Wotherspoon.
England
Barker, Greenhalh, Welch, Chappell, Maynard, Brockbank, Clegg, Kirke-Smith, Ottaway, Chenery.
Trainer: Morice