The First Time ….., Part Fifteen

1-The First time that the France National Team wore numbered jerseys was in a friendly vs. Italy on April 4, 1948 (France 1-Italy 3).

Photo From: L’Equipe, L’Equipe de France de Football, la Belle Histoire

(April 4, 1948, France 1-Italy 3)

2- The first time that an Italian player joined USA’s MLS was in 1996 when Roberto Donadoni joined New York / New Jersey Metrostars from AC Milan.

Photo From: World Soccer, December 1997

(Roberto Donadoni at New York / New Jersey Metrostars)

3-The first time that a goal was scored from a direct corner in an International was in 1929. Scotland and Aberdeen’s Alexander George Cheyne achieved this feat in the last minute of the annual England –Scotland match (April 13, 1929, Home Championship, Scotland 1-England 0).         

This particular law had only been in effect for two years and Match Referee Arthur Joseph (England) actually paused for a moment before validating the goal. There was some confusion by some, as not everyone knew that this was valid.

Photo From: Scotland, The Team, Author Andrew Ward, 1987

(April 13, 1929, British Home Championship, Scotland 1-England 0)

 4- The First time that a France National Team was televised live was in a friendly vs. Spain on March 13, 1958 (France 2-Spain 2).

Photo From: L’Equipe, L’Equipe de France de Football, la Belle Histoire

(Maryan Wisnieski with Luis Suarez looking on, March 13, 1958, France 2-Spain 2)

5- The first time that a Republic of Ireland player was sent off in an International was when John Dempsey was sent off in the 85^th minute of a World Cup Qualifier (November 5, 1969, Hungary 4-Republic of Ireland 0).

He was protesting the Referee’s decision on a foul and seemed to threaten to throw the ball at the Referee.

 Photo From: Gifted in Green, Author: Adam Ward

(John Dempsey)