Sketches of the first international football match, 1872

These illustrations show scenes from the first official international match, which saw Scotland play England at West of Scotland Cricket Ground in Partick on November 30, 1872. Prior to this match there had been several unofficial matches arranged by the Scottish FA, who picked the Scotland team from Scots living in London. At this match the Scottish players were all members of Queens Park FC, the leading Scottish club at that time. The team therefore played in the dark blue of Queen's Park with a single lion for a crest. England contested the match with players from nine different clubs. No goals were scored but reports commented on the skill of the English players and the team work of the Scots.