Compendium to the 1912 Olympics-part 1

Olympics Squads:

England (Amateurs):

Goalkeepers:

Dr. Ronald George Brebner (Northern Nomads Football Club)

Horace Peter Bailey (Birmingham Football Club)

Defenders/ Midfielders/Forwards:

Thomas C. Burn (London Caledonians)

Arthur Egerton Knight (Portsmouth Football Club)

Horace C. Littlewort (Glossop North End Football Club)

Edward Terence Hanney (Reading Football Club)

James Dines (Ilford Association Football Club)

Arthur Berry (Oxford City Football Club)

Vivian John Woodward (captain) (Chelsea Football Club-London)

Harold Adrian Walden (Bradford City Association Football Club)

Gordon Rahere Hoare (Woolwich Arsenal Football Club-London)

Ivan Gordon A. Sharpe (Derby County Football Club)

Harold Jack Stamper (Stockton-on-Tees Football Club)

Edward Gordon Dundas Wright (Hull City Football Club)

Douglas McWhirter (Bromley Association Football Club)

Alec Barclay (Brentford Football Club)

Leonard Sydney Dawe (Southampton Football Club)

William W. Martin (Ilford Association Football Club)

Sydney Sanders (Nunhead Football Club)

Note: some sources refer the team as England (amateurs), while others refer to the squad as Great Britain of Great Britain XI.

Denmark:

Goalkeepers:

Sophus Hansen (Boldklubben Frem-Copenhagen)

Ludwig Descher (KB-Kjøbenhavns Boldklub-Copenhagen)

Defenders/ Midfielders/Forwards:

Svend Aage Catella (KB-Kjøbenhavns Boldklub-Copenhagen)

Axel Dyrberg (Boldklubben 1903-Copenhagen)

Viggo Malmqvist (Boldklubben af 1893-Copenhagen)

Charles Buchwald (AB-Akademisk Boldklub-Copenhagen)

Christian Morville (KB-Kjøbenhavns Boldklub-Copenhagen)

Harald Hansen (Boldklubben af 1893-Copenhagen)

Ivar Lykke (KB-Kjøbenhavns Boldklub-Copenhagen)

Nils Middelboe (Captain) (KB-Kjøbenhavns Boldklub-Copenhagen)

Paul Berth (AB-Akademisk Boldklub-Copenhagen)

Aksel Petersen (Boldklubben Frem-Copenhagen)

Sophus ‘Krølben’ Nielsen (Boldklubben Frem-Copenhagen)

Anthon Olsen (Boldklubben af 1893-Copenhagen)

Hjalmar Christoffersen (Boldklubben Frem-Copenhagen)

Vilhelm Wolfhagen (KB-Kjøbenhavns Boldklub-Copenhagen)

Emil Jorgensen (Boldklubben af 1893-Copenhagen)

Oskar Norland (KB-Kjøbenhavns Boldklub-Copenhagen)

Poul ‘Tist’ Nielsen (KB-Kjøbenhavns Boldklub-Copenhagen)

Axel Thufason (Boldklubben af 1893-Copenhagen)

 

Photo From: IFFHS, Danmark (1908-1940), Sverige (1908-10940)

(Denmark Olympics squad)

Holland:

Goalkeepers:

dr Marius Jan ‘Just’ Göbel (AVC (Arnhemse Voetbal Club)- Vitesse-Arnhem) 

Wilhelmus Martinus van Eeck (GVC Wagenrigen)

Defenders/ Midfielders/Forwards:

David Wijnveldt (UD (Utile Dulci) -Deventer)

jhr mr Constant Willem Feith (H.V.V.(Haagse Voetbal Vereniging)-Den Haag)

Nicolaas ‘Nico’ de Wolf (Football Club Haarlem)

Johannes Marius ‘Bok’ de Korver (Rotterdamsche Voetbal en Atletiek Vereniging Sparta –Rotterdam) 

Dirk Nicolaas Lotsy (DFC (Dordtsche Football Club)- Dordrecht)

jhr Jan Gualtherus van Breda Kolff (H.V.V.(Haagse Voetbal Vereniging)-Den Haag)

Henri Franciscus ‘Huug’ de Groot (Rotterdamsche Voetbal en Atletiek Vereniging Sparta –Rotterdam)

Caesar Herman ‘Cees’ ten Cate (HFC (Haarlemsche Football Club)-Haarlem)

Jan Vos (U.V.V. (Utrechtse Voetbal Vereniging)-Utrect)

Nicolaas Jean Jérôme ‘Nico’ Bouvy (DFC (Dordtsche Football Club)- Dordrecht)

Pieter ‘Piet’ Bouman (DFC (Dordtsche Football Club)- Dordrecht)

Johannes Wouter ‘Joop’ Boutmy (HBS (Houdt Braef Standt)-Den Haag)

Gerardus ‘Gé’ Fortgens (Amsterdamse Football Club Ajax-Amsterdam)

Vic Gonsalves (HBS (Houdt Braef Standt)-Den Haag)

Dolf van der Nagel (HFC (Haarlemsche Football Club)-Haarlem)

Jan van der Sluis (V.O.C. (Volharding Olympia Combinatie)-Rotterdam)

Anton Hörburger (V.O.C. (Volharding Olympia Combinatie)-Rotterdam)

Wiet Ledeboer (nc&vc (Nijmeegse cricket & voetbal club) Quick- Nijmegen)

Felix von Heijden (nc&vc (Nijmeegse cricket & voetbal club) Quick- Nijmegen)

Martien Houtkooper (HFC (Haarlemsche Football Club)-Haarlem)

Coach: Edgar Chadwick (England)

Photo From: Oranje Toen En Nu, Deel 1, 1905-1914, 2000-2001, Author: Matty Verkamman

(Holland squad)

Finland:

Goalkeepers:

August Syrjäläinen (Reipas Viipuri)

Gustaf Holmstrom (HIFK (Helsingin Idrottsförening Kamraterna)-Helsinki)  

Defenders/ Midfielders/Forwards:

Jalmari Holopainen (HJK (Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi  Helsinki)-Helsinki)

Eino Soinio (HJK (Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi  Helsinki)-Helsinki)

Gösta Löfgren (captain) (HIFK (Helsingin Idrottsförening Kamraterna)-Helsinki)  

Knut Lund (HIFK (Helsingin Idrottsförening Kamraterna)-Helsinki)  

Kaarlo Soinio (HJK (Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi  Helsinki)-Helsinki)

Ragnar Wickström (KIF (Kronohagens Idrottsförening) Kiffen –Helsinki)  

Bror Wiberg (HIFK (Helsingin Idrottsförening Kamraterna)-Helsinki)  

Artturi Nyyssonen (HJK (Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi  Helsinki)-Helsinki)

Jarl Öhman (HIFK (Helsingin Idrottsförening Kamraterna)-Helsinki)  

Algoth Niksa (HIFK (Helsingin Idrottsförening Kamraterna)-Helsinki)  

Viljo Lietola (HJK (Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi  Helsinki)-Helsinki)

Lauri Tanner (HJK (Helsingin Jalkapalloklubi  Helsinki)-Helsinki)

Lars Schybergson (KIF (Kronohagens Idrottsförening) Kiffen –Helsinki)  

Hungary:

Goalkeepers:

Laszlo Domonkos (MTK (Magyar Testgyakorlók Köre)–Budapest)  

Karoly Zsak (33 Football Club-Budapest)  

Defenders/ Midfielders/Forwards:

Gyula Rumbold (Ferencvárosi Torna Club- Budapest)   

Imre Payer (Ferencvárosi Torna Club- Budapest)   

Gyula Biro (MTK (Magyar Testgyakorlók Köre)–Budapest)  

Jeno Karoly (Budapesti AK (Atlétikai Köre) - Budapest)    

Antal Vago (MTK (Magyar Testgyakorlók Köre)–Budapest)  

Bela Sebestyen (MTK (Magyar Testgyakorlók Köre)–Budapest)  

Sandor Bodnar (MAC (Magyar Athletikai Club) - Budapest)    

Mihaly Pataki (Ferencvárosi Torna Club- Budapest)   

Imre Schlosser (Ferencvárosi Torna Club- Budapest)   

Dr. Gaspar Borbas (Ferencvárosi Torna Club- Budapest)   

Kalman Szury (Budapesti AK (Atlétikai Köre) - Budapest)    

Zoltan Blum (Ferencvárosi Torna Club- Budapest)   

Miklos Fekete (Terezvarosi Torna Club) - Budapest)    

Sandor Brody (Ferencvárosi Torna Club- Budapest)   

Vilmos Kertesz (MTK (Magyar Testgyakorlók Köre)–Budapest)  

Bela Revesz (MTK (Magyar Testgyakorlók Köre)–Budapest)  

Istvan Toth (Nemzeti Sport club)  

Coach: Ede Herczog

Photo From: Illustr. Osterr. Sportblatt

(Hungary squad)

Austria:

Goalkeepers:

Otto Noll (DFC (Deutscher Fußball Club) 1892  Prag)

Josef Kaltenbrunner (Sportklub Rapid Wien)

Defenders/ Midfielders/Forwards:

Bernhard Graubart (DFC (Deutscher Fußball Club) 1892  Prag)

Ladislaus Kurpiel (DFC (Deutscher Fußball Club) 1892  Prag)

Josef Brandstatter (Sportklub Rapid Wien)

Karl Braunsteiner (Wiener Sport-Club)

Robert Cimera alias ‘Robert’ (DFC (Deutscher Fußball Club) 1892  Prag)

Ludwig Hussak (Captain) (Wiener Amateure Sport Verein)

Robert Merz (DFC (Deutscher Fußball Club) 1892  Prag)

Johann Studnicka alias ‘JAN’ (WAC (Wiener Athletik-sport-Club)-Wien)

Alois Muller (Wiener Sport-Club)

Leopold Neubauer (Wiener Sport-Club)

Franz Weber  (First Vienna Football Club- Wien)

Gustav Blaha (Sportklub Rapid Wien)

 Leopold Grundwald alias ‘Grundl’ (Sportklub Rapid Wien)

Heinrich Retschury  (First Vienna Football Club- Wien)

Jakob Swatosch (1. Simmeringer Sportclub- Wien)

Coach: Technical Commission

Note: (DFC (Deutscher Fußball Club) 1892  Prag) is a Czech team, which was part of Austro-Hungarian empire

Photo From: Oranje Toen En Nu, Deel 1, 1905-1914, 2000-2001, Author: Matty Verkamman

(Austrian squad)

Germany:

Goalkeepers:

Albert Weber (BFC (Berliner Fußball-Club) Vorwärts 1890- Berlin)

Adolf Werner  (Sport-Club Victoria 1895 e.V. Hamburg)

Defenders/ Midfielders/Forwards:

Helmut Ropnack (TuFC (Thor-und Fußball-Club) Viktoria 1889 Berlin)

Ernst Hollstein (Karlsruher Fußball Verein 1891)

Georg Krogmann (Fußball Verein Holstein 1902 Kiel)

Max Breunig (Karlsruher Fußball Verein 1891)

Hermann Bosch (Karlsruher Fußball Verein 1891)

Karl Wegele (Fußball-Club Phönix 1894 Karlsruhe)

Adolf Jager  (Altonaer Fußball-Club von 1893 e.V.-Hamburg)

Willy Worpitzky (TuFC (Thor-und Fußball-Club) Viktoria 1889 Berlin)

Eugen Kipp (Sportfreunde Stuttgart 1874 e.V.)

Julius Hirsch (Karlsruher Fußball Verein 1891)

Hans Reese (Fußball Verein Holstein 1902 Kiel)

Walter Hempel  (Sportfreunde1900 Leipzig)

Karl Burger (Spielvereinigung Fürth e.V.)

Dr. Josef Glaser  (Freiburger Fußball-Club 1897 e.V.)

Camillo Ugi  (Verein für Bewegungsspiele Leipzig 1896 e.V.)

Karl Uhle (Verein für Bewegungsspiele Leipzig 1896 e.V.)

Fritz Forderer (Karlsruher Fußball Verein 1891)

Gottfried Fuchs (Karlsruher Fußball Verein 1891)

Emil Oberle (Fußball-Club Phönix 1894 Karlsruhe)

Otto Thiel (Berliner Fußball-Club Preussen 1894 e.V.-Berlin)

Italy:

Goalkeepers:

Piero Campelli (Foot Ball Club Internazionale- Milano)    

Defenders/ Midfielders/Forwards:

Angelo Binaschi (Unione Sportiva Pro Vercelli)

Renzo De Vecchi (Milan Foot Ball Club)

Carlo De Marchi (Foot Ball Club Torino)  

Morelli di Popolo (Foot Ball Club Torino)

Giuseppe Milano I (captain) (Unione Sportiva Pro Vercelli)

Pietro Leone (Unione Sportiva Pro Vercelli)

Enea Zuffi (Foot Ball Club Torino)   

Franco Bontadini (Foot Ball Club Internazionale- Milano)    

Felice Berardo (Unione Sportiva Pro Vercelli)

Enrico Sardi (Società Ginnastica Andrea Doria Genova)

Edoardo Mariani (Genoa Foot Ball Club)  

Modesto Valle (Unione Sportiva Pro Vercelli)

Luigi Barbesino (Casale Foot Ball Club)   

Felcie Milano II (Unione Sportiva Pro Vercelli)

Attilio Treré (Milan Foot Ball Club)

Carlo Rampini I (SG Pro Vercelli)

Giuseppe Caimi (Foot Ball Club Internazionale- Milano)    

Coach: Vittorio  Pozzo

Note: Felice Milano, Attilio Trere, Carlo Rampini and Giuseppe Caimi stayed in Italy on stand by

Norway:

Goalkeepers:

Ingolf  Pedersen (Odds Ballklubbs- Skien tik)  

Julius Clementz (Mercantile Ski- og Fotballklubben- Kristiania)  

Defenders/ Midfielders/Forwards:

Per Skou (Lyn Ski- og Fotballklubben- Kristiania)  

Einar Friis Baastad (Mercantile Ski- og Fotballklubben- Kristiania)  

Harald Johansen (Mercantile Ski- og Fotballklubben- Kristiania)  

Charles Herlofson (Captain) (Mercantile Ski- og Fotballklubben- Kristiania)  

Gunnar Andersen (Lyn Ski- og Fotballklubben- Kristiania)  

Henry Reinholdt (Odds Ballklubbs- Skien tik)  

Kristian Krefting (Lyn Ski- og Fotballklubben- Kristiania)  

Hans Endrerud (Mercantile Ski- og Fotballklubben- Kristiania)  

Rolf Maartmann (Lyn Ski- og Fotballklubben- Kristiania)  

Erling Maartmann (Lyn Ski- og Fotballklubben- Kristiania)  

Sverre Jensen (Ready- Kristiania)  

Mathias Wideroe Aas (Mercantile Ski- og Fotballklubben- Kristiania)  

Marius Lund (Odds Ballklubbs- Skien tik)  

Rolf Aass (Mercantile Ski- og Fotballklubben- Kristiania)  

Carl  Pedersen (Uraedd Fotballklubben Porsgrunn)

Sigurd Brekke (Mercantile Ski- og Fotballklubben- Kristiania)  

Paul Due (Lyn Ski- og Fotballklubben- Kristiania)  

Kaare Engebretsen (Mercantile Ski- og Fotballklubben- Kristiania)  

Thoralf Grubbe (Odds Ballklubbs- Skien tik)  

Per Haraldsen (Odds Ballklubbs- Skien tik)  

Coach: James Vincent Hayes (England)

Photo From: Illustr. Osterr. Sportblatt

(Norway squad)

Photo From:  Landslaget, Det Norske Fotballandslagets Historie, authors Egil Olsen, Arne Scheie,Per Jorsett, Otto Ulseth, 1997

(Norway squad)

Sweden:

Goalkeepers:

Josef  Börjesson (Göteborgs Fotbollförening)

Erik Bergqvist (IFK (Idrottsföreningen Kamraterna) Stockholm)

Defenders/ Midfielders/Forwards:

Jacob Levin (Örgryte Idrottssällskap- Göteborg)

Erik Bergström (Örgryte Idrottssällskap- Göteborg)

Ragnar Wicksell (Djurgårdens Idrettsförening- Stockholm)

Gustav Sandberg (Örgryte Idrottssällskap- Göteborg)

Karl Gustafsson (Köpings Idrottssällskap)

Herman Myhrberg (captain) (Örgryte Idrottssällskap- Göteborg)

Iwar ‘Iffa Sven’ Swensson (IFK (Idrottsföreningen Kamraterna) Norrköping)

Erik Börjesson (Jonsereds Idrottsförening)

Helge Ekroth (AIK (Allmänna Idrottsklubben) Solna-Stockholm)

Karl Ansen (AIK (Allmänna Idrottsklubben) Solna-Stockholm)

Konrad Törnqvist (IFK (Idrottsföreningen Kamraterna) Göteborg)

Götrik Frykman (Djurgårdens Idrettsförening- Stockholm)

Eric Dahlström (IFK (Idrottsföreningen Kamraterna) Eskilstuna)

Oscar Gustafsson (Johanneshofs Idrottsförening)

Einar Halling-Johansson (Örgryte Idrottssällskap- Göteborg)

Theodor Malm (AIK (Allmänna Idrottsklubben) Solna-Stockholm)

Knut Nilsson (AIK (Allmänna Idrottsklubben) Solna-Stockholm)

Henning Svensson (IFK (Idrottsföreningen Kamraterna) Göteborg)

Russia:

Goalkeepers:

Lev Favorski (Sokolnicheskiy KS Moscow)

Pyotr Boreisha (Neva Sankt-Peterburg)

Defenders/ Midfielders/Forwards:

Pyotr Sokolov (Unitas Sankt-Peterburg)

Vladimir Markov (Sport St.Petersburg)

Andrey Akimov (KS Orekhovo-Zuyevo Moscow)

Nikita Khromov (Unitas Sankt-Peterburg)

Nikolay Kynin (KS Orekhovo-Zuyevo Moscow)

Mikhail Smirnov (Union Moscow)

Aleksandr Filippov (KF Sokolniki Moscow)

Vasily Butusov (captain) (Unitas Sankt-Peterburg)

Vasily Zhitarev (Zamoskvoretskiy KS Moscow)

Sergey Filippov (Kolomyagi St.Petersburg)

Fyodor Rimsha (Sokolnicheskiy KS Moscow)

Alexey Uversky (Sport St.Petersburg)

Mikhail Yakovlev (Unitas Sankt-Peterburg)

Grigory Nikitin (Sport St.Petersburg)

Leonid Smirnov (Union Moscow)

Vladimir Viasenko (Mercur Sankt-Peterburg)

Coach: Georgy Alexandrovich Duperron and Roman Fyodorovich Fulda

Soccer at the Olympics-Part 2 (1912-Stockholm, sweden)

Soccer was still viewed with a certain disdain by the Olympics community when the games took place in Stockholm in 1912.

However, FIFA had stood firm and insisted on the inclusion of the sport for the Olympic games.

The 1912 games would feature eleven teams (almost double the teams from 1908). The Nations participating were all European with England still at the top of the heap.

In fact, in contrast to all the other nations, the England squad (or Great Britain) was its amateur squad and not its main National Team.

Photo From: år med Svensk Fotboll 1904-84, Author Glanell Thomas red

(1912 Olympics)

Yet such was the strength and the advance of the game in Britain that this Amateur side was still better than anything the rest of the world could offer.

The English Amateurs were still led by their Captain Vivian Woodward, already an Olympic Champion in the 1908 Edition.

The majority of the rest of the squads were still in their infancy stages with at least a few years of International behind them.

Denmark had many holdovers from the 1908 side that had reached the Final vs. England, players such as Buchwald, Nils Middleboe, Harald Hansen, Wolfhagen and Sophus Nielsen.

Holland were still managed by Englishman Edgar Chadwick, though with only a handful of players from the 1908 edition. At first there was some resistance for their participation. The expenses for nineteen players, six Officials and The Manager Chadwick was deemed too costly. Baron van Tuyl led the efforts to lobby for the team’s participation.

After doing so, the Dutch were met with withdrawals. Thirty-one players had been contacted by letter for their willingness to participate. Players such as Jan Thomée, Nol van Berckel and John Heijning withdrew.

Mannes Francken participated in the preparation but withdrew shortly thereafter. They were so many withdrawals that it was contemplated to forego participation. In all it was to be a weakened Dutch side, but their participation was paramount in their bid for hosting the upcoming Olympics.

Like most Nations those days, traveling was also a problem. The squad got together from Rotterdam and arrived by Train to Hamburg on a Thursday morning. Their game with hosts Sweden scheduled for that Saturday June 29^th. There were so many delays on the train stations that Holland’s arrival by match time seemed in jeopardy. Dutch Federation Official Jasper Warner had to intervene with Swedish Railway workers to set things straight.

Russia participated for the first time ever in a Competition. They had only played their first match ever the previous year and were a very inexperienced side. Russia would have to wait 82 more years to participate in another Tournament as Russia (1994 World Cup).

While most squads were lead by Technical commissions, the Russians were managed by a duo consisting of Georgy Alexandrovich Duperron and Roman Fyodorovich Fulda.

Photo From: IFFHS-Russia (1912-1920), Soviet Union (1923-1940), Polska (1921-1940), Lietuva (1923-1940)

(One of Russia’s managers: Georgy Alexandrovich Duperron)

Photo From: IFFHS-Russia (1912-1920), Soviet Union (1923-1940), Polska (1921-1940), Lietuva (1923-1940)

(Russian Football Delegation arriving at Stockholm)

Since the Tournament was held in Sweden, unsurprisingly their closest neighbors (Norway and Finland) were also invited. They were unknown quantities and not much was expected of either, other than their proximity to Sweden gave them a somewhat home advantage.

This was Italy’s debut in an Official Competition. They had only started International Soccer, two years prior (1910) and not yet the power they would become in two decades time.

Photo From: Calcio 2000, Issue 33, August 2000

(The Italian Football Delegation at Stockholm)

Photo From: La Nazionale Italiana, 1978

(Italian Footballers on way to Sweden)

Of course, for the Italians this Tournament takes a certain significance, since it was the debut of Legendary Manager Vittorio Pozzo on the bench.

For its first two years, Italy had been led by a Technical Commission and managed by Umberto Meazza.

On March 17, 1912, Italy had lost to France (3-4), which led to the dissolving of the Technical Committee in place. In fact by June 1912, two separate Technical Commissions had disbanded.

It was at this point that Italian Federation President Alfonso Ferrero Ventimiglia urged Pozzo to take over.

Photo From: Calcio 2000, Issue 33, August 2000

(a young Vittorio Pozzo as Manager of Italian Olympics squad)

Pozzo, aged only 26, had recently retired from playing at Torino (a club he had helped in its Founding). His playing experience was limited to Torino and a brief stint at Swiss club Grasshoppers Zurich.

His knowledge of English language (and English football) also helped his selection. He had traveled to Manchester as a Pirelli representative.

He took upon the task despite very little time for preparation. The team traveled by Train and then took a boat to cross the Baltic.

The Tournament started on June 29^th with the hosts 

Photo From: Kicker Sportsmagazin Edition, 100 Jahre Deutsche Landerspiele

(Germany, England and Hungary Football squads)

Sweden taking on Holland in the Preliminary Round. Holland included two debutants in their team: David Wijnveldt and Cees ten Cate.

It was a match than many felt the English Referee George Wagstaffe Simmons accommodated the hosts with many questionable decisions. In addition the Dutch had to deal with an injury to Bok de Korver early in the match. He stayed on but was ineffective as a result the Dutch were essentially playing with ten men. The Dutch took a (3-1) lead early in the second half. In the 62^nd minute, George Wagstaffe Simmons awarded a dubious penalty to Sweden and they scored to come within one goal. The Swedes tied the match with less than ten minutes to go.

A few minutes later, the Referee awarded another harsh penalty decision in Sweden’s favor.  Just Gobel saved the penalty kick from Erik Bergström to keep the Dutch in the match. The Dutch score the winner in the overtime to knock out the hosts, who were now left with playing in the Consolation part of the Tournament. Dutch goalkeeper Just Gobel was allowed to keep the match ball.

On the same day Austria took on Germany. The Germans took the lead in the first half. However, an unfortunate injury in the second half changed the course of the match. German goalkeeper Albert Weber crashed against the post in the 52^nd minute and remained on the floor for some time. After getting back to play, he was clearly still shaken and gave up two quick goals in succession.

He collapsed and had to leave the field. The Austrians refused Germany’s request to substitute the goalkeeper, which created ‘football hostility’ between the nations for the years to come. German Outfield player Worpitzky was forced to go in the net and not surprisingly gave up three more goals.

Germany just like the hosts Sweden were relegated to the Consolation Tournament.

For the last Preliminary Match, Pozzo’s Italians played Finland. The match Referee was the Austrian Hugo Meisl, who would go on to become the Manager of Austria’s glorious 'Wunderteam' of the 1930s. This was the first contact of Pozzo and his contemporary colleague Meisl.

Italy were weakened by the absence of Felice Milano II and Carlo Rampini I, who were unavailable due to Military obligations.

Four players: Campelli, De Marchi, Bontadini and Sardi made their International debuts for Italy that day.

Italy had arrived in Sweden the day before the match and as the match wore on, the tiredness set in. The match ended (2-2) in regulation time, and in the overtime Finland scored the winner through Bror Wiberg.

On the following day (June 30^th), the Quarterfinals took place. A strong Denmark team defeated Norway (7-0), in a match where the Danish Hjalmar Christoffersen and Anthon Olsen made their International debuts. Anthon Olsen managed to score a hat trick in his debut.

The English Amateurs predictably defeated Hungary (7-0) with Harald Walden scoring six of the goals. This was remarkable as it was his first cap.

Important to not that Thomas C. Burn in the English Amateurs (or Great Britain) squad was actually Scottish.

Finland followed up on their win over Italy on the previous day by defeating Russia (2-1). All the Russians were making their International debuts that day.

In fact this was the second ever match of Russia after their debut in 1911.

An improving Holland squad defeated Austria (3-1) with all the goals coming in the first half. Dutchmen Piet Boutman and Joop Boutmy made their International debuts.

The Scottish Referee David Philipps came under criticism from the Austrians for his decisions. In the third minute he disallowed an Austrian goal by Johann Studnicka. In the eighth minute he validated Dutchman Nico Bouvy’s goal that had seemed like a handball. Holland’s third goal by Jan Vos also appeared suspiciously offside but was validated.

The second half deteriorated to more of a physical battle and David Philipps had to stop play at various time to treat injuries.

Before the scheduled semifinals on July 2^nd, the eliminated teams played against one another in a Consolation part of the Tournament.

On July 1^st, Germany and Russia played in one of the most lopsided affairs in the history of the game.

The Germans defeated the Russians with an astonishing score of (16-0) with Germany’s Gottfried Fuchs scoring 10 of the goals (5 in each half).

Apparently the night before the match the Russians had invited the Germans and had wined and dined with them with caviar, vodka and music.

Perhaps it was no surprise that they were in no shape to play the next day.

On the same day, the Swedish hosts took on Italy. Italy scored in the 15^th minute through Franco Bontadini and held on to win its first ever away victory.

The Swedish hosts demanded a rematch in writing and verbally but Pozzo refused these requests.

The Austrians also narrowly defeated the weaker Norwegians (1-0) to advance in the Consolation Tournament.

On the following day (July 2^nd), the Proper Tournament’s Semifinals were held.

The stronger Denmark squad defeated Holland (4-1) deservedly to once again advance to the Final like the previous Tournament.

They achieved the win despite being forced to play the match with one less man in the last half hour after Poul ‘Tist’ Nielsen left the field injured.

The English easily defeated Finland (4-0, with Harold Walden scoring all four) to set up a rematch of the 1908 Final. England’s Harold Stamper made his International debut in this match.

On the following day (July 3^rd), the Consolation Portion’s Semifinals were held. Hungary defeated Germany (3-1) through an Imre Schlosser hat trick.

The Italy-Austria was played under Political tensions due to the ongoing border dispute over the Trentino-Alto Adige region (eventually annexed by Italy after World War I).

The trouble did not spill over the field and the Austrians defeated the inexperienced Italians (5-1) to advance to the Consolation Tournament Final.

An Italian newspaper erroneously referred to Italian defender Renzo De Vecchi as a goalkeeper describing how he made magnificent saves (or perhaps the writer was unfamiliar with Football Lexicon).

In any case for Pozzo and the Italians this had been a learning experience to build upon for future events.

Two days later and one day after the actual Gold Medal match, Hungary defeated Austria (3-0) to win the Consolation part of the Tournament.

The Bronze and Gold Medal matches were played on the same day (July 4^th). The Dutch closed off a satisfactory Tournament by defeating Finland (9-0) with Jan Vos claiming five of the goals. Jan van der Sluis scorer of two of the goals was making his International debut for the Dutch.

Onto the Final and predictably (before even the start of the Tournament), the English Amateurs defeated Denmark (4-2) to win the Gold Medal.

Fdenmark were missing regular Poul ‘Tist’ Nielsen who had been injured in the match vs. the Dutch. Axel Thufason replaced him in the squad.

Harold Walden, Gordon Hoare (twice) and Arthur Berry scored England’s goals within the first half.

Photo From: Illustr. Osterr. Sportblatt

(July 4, 1912, Olympics, England (Amateurs) 4-Denmark 2)

Photo From: IFFHS, England (1872-1940), Eire (1924-1940), EnglandAmateurs (1906-1940) (3)

(England’s Arthur Knight)

It did not help that Denmark’s Charles Buchwald was forced to leave the field in the 30^th minute due to a shoulder injury.

Denmark’s Olsen scored a consolation goal near the end but the result was never in doubt, though Denmark were a strong team compared to the rest of the competition.

After picking up the winner’s medals England’s Vivian Woodward thanked the King of Sweden in a speech and stressed how the organization and standard of the games had advanced from the previous Tournaments.

Denmark’s Nils Middelboe and Holland’s Bok de Korver picked up their respective Nations’ medals.

The Football World could look ahead to an even more advanced and professional (sic) future Olympics.

Photo From: Oranje Toen En Nu, Deel 1, 1905-1914, 2000-2001, Author Matty Verkamman

(Dinner with Football Delegations)

Unfortunately, the Great War was on the Horizon and in two years time Europe was engulfed in a World War and the 1916 series were naturally cancelled.

Many players who participated in the 1912 Olympics became casualties of this conflict.

Austria’s Robert Merz was killed shortly after the War started on August 30^th, 1914.

His teammate Karl Braunsteiner died as a Prisoner of War on April 16^th, 1916.

Germany’s Hermann Bosch was killed on July 16^th, 1916.

Russia’s Andrey Akimov and Nikolay Kynin were killed in 1916, while Grigory Nikitin was killed in the following year 1917.

England’s James Dines was killed on September 27^th, 1918.

Unfortunately, the next Great War would also claim victims from these 1912 series.

Adolf Jager was killed under Allied bombings on November 21^st, 1944, while teammate Julius Hirch was killed in 1945 in the Auschwitz Concentration Camp.

Hungary’s Antal Vago was also killed in a German Concentration Camp in 1944.

The now Soviet players Sergey Filippov, Alexey Uversky, Mikhail Yakovlev were all Civilian casualties of the Siege of Leningrad in 1942.

It would be another eight years before the next Olympics took place in Antwerp, Belgium in 1920.

Photo From: Kicker Sportsmagazin Edition, 100 Jahre Deutsche Landerspiele (Germany’s Adolf Jager)

Photo From: IFFHS-Russia (1912-1920), Soviet Union (1923-1940), Polska (1921-1940), Lietuva (1923-1940) (1)

(Russia’ Alexey Uversky)

References:

IFFHS, England (1872-1940), Eire (1924-1940), England/Amateurs (1906-1940)

Oranje Toen En Nu, Deel 1, 1905-1914, 2000-2001, Author: Matty Verkamman

IFFHS, Danmark (1908-1940), Sverige (1908-10940)

IFFHS-Russia (1912-1920), Soviet Union (1923-1940), Polska (1921-1940), Lietuva (1923-1940)

L’Equipe, L’Equipe de France de Football, la Belle Histoire

år med Svensk Fotboll 1904-84, Author Glanell Thomas red

La Nazionale Italiana, 1978

Calcio 2000, Issue 33, August 2000

Kicker Sportsmagazin Edition, 100 Jahre Deutsche Landerspiele

Het Nederlands Elftal, De Histoire van Oranje, 1905-1989

Azzurri, Storia della Nazionale di calcio tre volte campioni del Mondo, 1910-1983

IFFHS-Norge  (1908-1940), Suomi (1911-1940)-Essti (1920-1940)

The First International Match of …..-Part 2 (Italy, 1910)

By 1910 many of the mainland European Nations had already made their debuts in the International Arena.

The Italian Football Federation, F.I.G.C. had been in existence since 1898 to lay the groundwork for League play. By this new decade of the 10s, the Italian Football Hierarchy were also keen to join the community of International Football.

It was ‘La Stampa’ Newspaper that proposed the idea of having a National Team to defend Italy’s colors.

As it would have it the FIFA Congress was to be held in Milan in May 1910, so the Federation planned to have its Nation’s debut around the same time as the Congress.

On January 13, 1910, F.I.G.C. President Luigi Bosisio announced in the Federations’ Official Magazine ‘Foot-Ball’ that Italy would have a National Team made up of Italian Footballers that would be selected by a Technical Commission (Commissione Tecnica Arbitrale’).

Photo From: Azzurri, Storia della Nazionale di calcio tre volte campioni del Mondo, 1910-1983

(The Eleven players who took part in the first ever match of Italy)

Photo From: Il Libro Azzurro del Calcio Italiano, Authors: Pericle Pratelli, Pasquale Scardillo, 1974

(Same photo as above in orginal format)

On January 17^th, 1910, the Commission of five members met together to select a squad for the inaugural match in four months time.

The members were Alberto Crivelli (Ausonia), Gianni Camerio (Milan), Guiseppe Gama (Internazionale Milano),  Agostino Recalcati (U.S.Milanese) with Umberto Meazza (U.S. Milanese) acting as the Team’s Coach.

On April 11^th, it was announced in ‘La Gazzetta’ that the Commission had selected two teams to play against one another to be whittled down into one for the match.

The Commission chose twenty-two players for this endeavor.

The First Team:

Mario De Simoni (US Milanese-Milano), Angelo Binaschi (SG Pro Vercelli), Francesco Calì  (SG Andrea Doria Genova), Guido Ara (SG Pro Vercelli), Giuseppe Milano I (SG Pro Vercelli), Pietro Leone I (SG Pro Vercelli), Franco Bontadini (FBC Internazionale- Milano), Giuseppe Rizzi (FBC Ausonia-Milano), Aldo Cevenini I (Milan FBC), Arturo Boiocchi (US Milanese-Milano), Pietro Lana (Milan FBC)

The Second Team:

Umberto Pennano (FBC Juventus-Torino), Giovani Goccione (FBC Juventus-Torino), Franco Varisco (US Milanese-Milano), Attilio Treré (FBC Ausonia-Milano), Virgilio Fossati (FBC Internazionale- Milano), Aldo Colombo (FBC Juventus-Torino), Borce, Enea Zuffi II (FBC Torino), Felice Berardo (Piemonte), Carlo Rampini I (SG Pro Vercelli), Carlo Corna (SG Pro Vercelli)

With a month remaining to the match, Italy’s opponents were still unknown. Nations such as France, Switzerland and Hungary were considered to the first adversary.

The Italian Federation wanted a victory at all cost for its first match and many believe this was the reason France were chosen. The French were seen as weaker of the three since they had lost their first two matches of the year (0-4 vs. Belgium on April 3, 1910 and 1-10 vs. England (Amateurs) on April 16^th, 1910).

After deciding on France, the matters took a turn for the dramatic.

Photo From: La Nazionale Italiana, 1978

(The very first lineup of Italy, May 15, 1910, Italy 6-France 2)

In the Italian League play, Pro Vercelli and Internazionale Milano had been level on points at the conclusion of the season. Therefore, the Federation decided on a play-off match to determine the League Champion.

The date chosen for this title decider was April 24^th. However, Pro Vercelli could not call upon their goalkeeper Giovanni Innocenti, as well as Vincenzo Fresia and Felice Milano II due to Military obligations.

Pro Vercelli proposed to Inter, an alternate date of May 1^st for this match, however, Inter refused as they had commitments as well on that date.

Despite pleas, Inter and the Federation did not budge on the matter to reach a compromise.

As a result, the Pro Vercelli President Luigi Bozino in anger fielded a weakened team on the set date (April 24^th) as a show of protest.

He fielded players from his Fourth Team (11 to 14 year olds) with some Juniors. (Some sources show 10-15 year olds)

Predictably Inter won (10-3) playing against children and won the title. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect was the fact that young boys were able to score three goals against adults.

The Federation did not take this show of defiance lightly and suspended the Pro Vercelli Team until the end of the year (December 31^st).

Pro Vercelli were the pre-eminent squad in Italy at the time and their suspension had an effect on the National Team’s preparations since many of the players (Guido Ara, Guiseppe Milano I, Pietro Leone, Carlo Rampini I and Carlo Corna) would have potentially played in the match vs. France.

After the Pro Vercelli suspensions, Umberto Meazza and his collaborators were forced to conduct more experiments and include new players to select a team in time.

On May 5^th, a first scrimmage was held between the two selected teams. The first team were labeled ‘The Probables’ (wearing a white shirt) and the second team were labeled as ‘The Possibles’ (wearing a light blue shirt).

The Probables:

Mario De Simoni (US Milanese-Milano), Franco Varisco (US Milanese-Milano), Francesco Calì (SG Andrea Doria Genova), Attilio Treré (FBC Ausonia-Milano), Virgilio Fossati (FBC Internazioanle Milano), Domenico Capello (FBC Torino), Franco Bontadini (FBC Internazionale- Milano), Giuseppe Rizzi (FBC Ausonia-Milano), Aldo Cevenini I (Milan FBC), Arturo Boiocchi (US Milanese-Milano), Pietro Lana (Milan FBC)

The Possibles:

Umberto Pennano (FBC Juventus-Torino), Carlo Capra (Foot Ball Club Torino), Renzo De Vecchi (Milan FBC), Aldo Colombo (FBC Juventus-Torino), Giovani Goccione (FBC Juventus-Torino),Giuseppe Caimi (US Milanese-Milano) , Ernesto Borel (FBC Juventus-Torino), Enea Zuffi II (FBC Torino),Attilio Fresia (Piemonte-Torino), Felice Berardo (Piemonte-Torino), Enrico Debernardi (FBC Torino)   

‘The Probables’ won this match (4-1), although ‘La Gazzetta’ made the error of declaring ‘The Possibles’ the winner.

A second scrimmage on May 8th, was played between ‘The Probables’ and ‘The Possibles’.

The Probables:

Mario De Simoni (US Milanese-Milano), Renzo De Vecchi (Milan FBC), Chiaffredo Mastrella (FBC Juventus-Torino), Attilio Treré (FBC Ausonia-Milano), Virgilio Fossati (FBC Internazioanle Milano), Domenico Capello (FBC Torino), Enrico Debernardi (FBC Torino), Giuseppe Rizzi (FBC Ausonia-Milano), Aldo Cevenini I (Milan FBC), Pietro Lana (Milan FBC), Arturo Boiocchi (US Milanese-Milano)

The Possibles:

Umberto Pennano (FBC Juventus-Torino), Francesco Calì (SG Andrea Doria Genova), Franco Varisco (US Milanese-Milano), Ernesto Borel (FBC Juventus-Torino), Alfredo Ferraris (Foot-Ball Club Juventus-Torino), Giovani Goccione (FBC Juventus-Torino), Edoardo Mariani (Milan FBC), Amilcare Pizzi (US Milanese-Milano), Attilio Fresia (Piemonte-Torino), Felice Berardo (Piemonte-Torino), Gustavo Carrer (Milan FBC)

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo-La Grande Storia Del calcio Italiana-1910-1912

(The Possibles squad, May 8, 1910)

‘The Probables’ once again came out victorious, this time winning 4-2. When it came to select the final squad, Francesco Calì and Franco Varisco moved up from ‘the Possibles’ to the main squad with Renzo De Vecchi and Chiaffredo Mastrella making way.

The Matchday arrived on Sunday, May 15^th, in Milan where the FIFA Congress was being held.

Photo From: Azzurri, Storia della Nazionale di calcio tre volte campioni del Mondo, 1910-1983

(Aerial view of Milano’s Stadio Civico Arena where Italy played its first ever match)

The venue for this match was Milan’s Stadio Civico Arena where 4,000 fans had gathered for the Nation’s International baptism.

For their match jerseys the Italians chose the Color White, since it was more economical than having colored jerseys (the traditional blue jerseys would appear the following year).

The Shorts were at the discretion of the players. The Official Team Photo on the matchday shows six players with white shorts (including Mario De Simoni, the goalkeeper) and the other five wearing black shorts.

Francesco Calì was chosen to be the Captain since aged 28, he was the oldest.

Francesco Calì was also the first player in the History of Italian Soccer to switch teams. He joined SG Andrea Doria from Genoa in 1901.

He was a naturalized Italian from Switzerland.

Photo From: La Nazionale Italiana, 1978

(Francesco Calì, the very first Captain of Italy)

In contrast to these days, most newspapers ignored the event and its significance in its leadup.

It was no surprise that the majority of the Italian side were with Milan sides (8 in total), since the match was being held in Milan (Of course the lineup would have been different had Pro Vecrelli players been available).

The match referee chosen was the Englishman Henry Goodley.

Henry Goodley was actually a resident of Turin and part of the Italian Federation. In fact he usually refereed Juventus matches and was friendly and knew many of the Italian players.

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo-La Grande Storia Del calcio Italiana-1910-1912

(The cover of ‘Lettura Sportiva’ on May 15, 1910)

Photo From: La Nazionale Italiana, 1978

(Tactical formation of the teams, May 15, 1910, Italy 6-France 2)

In addition to poor form, the French guests had other problems. French Club Patronage Olier refused to release Eugene Maes and Ernest Tossier.

It took the French a 16 hour train journey to arrive at the morning of the match (5 AM) at Milan.

They were exhausted and it showed in their play. Italy took the field and naturally defeated the tired and worn out French side.

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

(An Illustration showing the match, In the drawing the Italian jersey shows the Italian flag on it, but in the official team photo, they were simply white jerseys, In addition the Italian players are shown wearing black shorts, but only about half the squad were wearing black shorts)

Pietro Lana became the first ever goalscorer of Italy by scoring in the 13^th minute. Virgilio Fossati doubled the lead in the 20^th minute. Italy went to halftime with a two goal lead. Early in the second half (49^th minute), France pulled a goal back through Henri Sellier.

Pietro Lana scored Italy’s third and his second in the 59^th minute.

France’s Jean Ducret scored another for France three minutes later, but this was the extent of France’s resistance and just a few minutes later Giuseppe Rizzi scored Italy’s fourth to make victory certain for the hosts.

Enrico Debernardi scored Italy’s fifth in the 82^nd minute and just a minute before the end Pietro Lana scored Italy’s Sixth on a penalty kick.

That day Pietro Lana, in addition to being Italy’s first goalscorer, also scored Italy’s first ever hat trick and scored Italy’s first ever penalty kick.

Photo From: Il Libro Azzurro del Calcio Italiano, Authors: Pericle Pratelli, Pasquale Scardillo, 1974

(Pietro Lana)

It has been reported that fans actually threw packs of cigarettes onto the field at the end of the match as gifts for the players.

Just like the pre-match coverage, the newspapers were mostly lukewarm to this historical match. “Corriere della Sera” discussed it very briefly and only “La Gazzetta dello Sport” discussed it to some extent.

Just eleven days later (May 26^th), Italy took its first trip abroad and lost at Budapest to Hungary (1-6). Clearly much work lay ahead to make headway against the best of the continent.

Inter’s Virgilio Fossati would tragically be killed on June 29^th, 1916, during the fighting in World War I, aged just 26.

Photo From: La Nazionale Italiana, 1978

(Virgilio Fossati of Internazionale Milano)

Franco Varisco would be the final Italian survivor of this History making Italy squad. He passed away on January 5^th, 1974 (according to some sources, some others are sketchy).

Aldo Cevenini I passed away just a few months prior on October 26^th, 1973.

This first match vs. France was the first step for a Nation that would win two World Cups in less than thirty years after this match. The game would grow beyond anyone’s belief in Italy in club and International level.

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo-La Grande Storia Del calcio Italiana-1910-1912

(Mario De Simoni)

Photo From: Guerin Sportivo-La Grande Storia Del calcio Italiana-1910-1912

(Giuseppe Rizzi and Attilio Treré, May 8, 1910)

Italian First ever XI:

Mario De Simoni (1887- 1967)

Franco Varisco (1879/1974) (some sources show a date of birth of 1887 which is probably more accurate, since Cali was thought to be the oldest that day)

Francesco Calì (captain) (1882-1949)

Attilio Treré (1887-1943)

Virgilio Fossati (1890-1916)

Domenico Capello (1888/1950)

Enrico Debernardi (1885-1972)

Giuseppe Rizzi (1886-1960)

Aldo Cevenini I (1886-1973)

Pietro Lana (1888-1950)

Arturo Boiocchi (1888-1964)

Note: Please note that some of the dates of births and deaths may vary from source to source as well as the Internet. ‘Il Libro Azzuro’ (1998) was used as my main source for the dates.

Photo From: Il Libro Azzuro, Author: Walter Perosino, 1998

(Another photograph of Italy’s first lineup, May 15, 1910, Italy 6-France 2)

Note:

1- F.I.G,C. stands for Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio, which is the Italian Football Federation.

2- Some sources show Inter’s victory over the weakened Pro Vercelli side as (11-3), but most sources show the score as (10-3).

3-According to most sources Francesco Calì was selected as Captain since he was the oldest at age 28. However, some sources show Franco Varisco to have been born in 1879, three years before Cali.

4- In Italy’s match at Budapest vs. Hungary, eleven days after this match on May 26^th , Aldo Cevenini I became the first ever player to be substituted for Italy. He was replaced in the second half by Renzo De Vecchi.

Cevenini was from a dynasty of five footballer brothers.

May 15, 1910

Italy 6-France 2

Friendly

Venue: Milano -Stadio Civico Arena

Attendance: 4,000

Referee: Henry Goodley (England)

Goalscorers:

(Italy): Pietro Lana 13,59,89 pen, Virgilio Fossati 20, Giuseppe Rizzi 66, Enrico Debernardi 82

(France): Henri Sellier 49, Jean Ducret 62

Lineups:

Italy:

Mario De Simoni (Unione Sportiva Milanese-Milano)

Franco Varisco (Unione Sportiva Milanese-Milano)

Francesco Calì (captain) (Società Ginnastica Andrea Doria Genova)

Attilio Treré (Foot Ball Club Ausonia-Milano)

Virgilio Fossati (Foot Ball Club Internazionale- Milano)

Domenico Capello (Foot Ball Club Torino)  

Enrico Debernardi (Foot Ball Club Torino)   

Giuseppe Rizzi (Foot Ball Club Ausonia-Milano) 

Aldo Cevenini I (Milan Foot Ball Club) 

Pietro Lana (Milan Foot Ball Club) 

Arturo Boiocchi (Unione Sportiva Milanese-Milano)

Federation’s Technical Commission

Coach: Umberto  Meazza

France:

Tessier (A.S. Bon Conseil)

D. Mercier (Etoile des Deux Lacs-Paris)

André Sollier (Club Athlétique de Vitry)

Jean Rigal (Association Football de la Garenne Colombes)

Jean Ducret (Etoile des Deux Lacs-Paris)  

Henri Vascout (Club Athlétique de Vitry) 

Maurice Olivier (Etoile des Deux Lacs-Paris) 

Henri Bellocq (Etoile des Deux Lacs-Paris) 

Henri ‘Léon’ Mouton (Etoile des Deux Lacs-Paris) 

Henri Sellier (Etoile des Deux Lacs-Paris)  

Etienne Jourde (captain) (Club Athlétique de Vitry)

Federation’s Technical Commission

Other Substitutes:

H. Sentenac (Etoile des Deux Lacs-Paris)

Note: There are no records of the first names of Tessier, Mercier and Sentenac

References:

L'Integrale de L'Equipe de France de Football, Authors: J.M. and Pierre Cazal, Michel Oreggia, 1998

L’Equipe, L’Equipe de France de Football, la Belle Histoire

La Nazionale Italiana, 1978

Il Libro Azzuro, Author: Walter Perosino, 1998

Azzurri, Storia della Nazionale di calcio tre volte campioni del Mondo, 1910-1983

Il Libro Azzurro del Calcio Italiano, Authors: Pericle Pratelli, Pasquale Scardillo, 1974
Guerin Sportivo-La Grande Storia Del calcio Italiana-1910-1912

Photo From: Azzurri, Storia della Nazionale di calcio tre volte campioni del Mondo, 1910-1983

(Another Illustration of Italy’s first lineup, May 15, 1910, Italy 6-France 2)