The Match of the Century took place at Hampden Park on 10 May 1947 between teams representing Great Britain and the Rest of Europe. The match came about because of a financial crisis facing FIFA, the idea being that the proceeds from the meeting would go to the troubled organization. According to the Dundee Evening Telegraph, for 10 May 1847, 'Although the gates at Hampden Park did not open until 12.30, two men were there at nine o'clock and sat down on the steps to breakfast. Only 134.000, the safety margin crowd which is 16,000 fewer than the stadium's record will see the game, but the BBC is broadcasting on the play in 15 languages with a whole-match description for British listeners. Weather forecasters expect occasional thundery showers during the game. During the forenoon visitors thronged the city streets. Practically every country in Europe is represented and many of the foreigners are taking advantage of the opportunity to have short holiday in Scotland.'
The British team, included such distinguished names as Stanley Matthews, Tommy Lawton and Wilf Mannion, while those representing the Rest of Europe included such players as Manchester United's captain Irishman John Carey and Juventus defender Caro Parola. Great Britain won 6-1; £30,000 was raised for FIFA. The correspondent from The Scotman left a rather lukewarm account of event: 'In a game that held few thrills for the crowd , the home players were as easy winners as the score indicates. Clever enough in the outfield, as most Continental sides can be, at close quarters the Rest lacked the team sense and finishing ability displayed by their opponents- Except for a slight shakiness in defence in the early stages, the British team held the initiative throughout .
The crowd came to life when local hero Morton's Billy Steel scored 'The famous- " Hampden Roar" had so far been conspicuous by its absence but it was heard when the goal of the match was scored by the only home Scot in the side—Steel , of Morton . Gaining possession about 30 yards out , the little Greenock forward countered the Continental style of retreating defence by unleashing a tremendous shot when a pass to one of his team-mates seemed indicated'.
Wilf Mannion emerged as the man of the match 'His understanding with Matthews made the right wing the most dangerous afield . The Stoke winger showed much ot his old brilliance , individually and -in team work . Steel was another forward success , while Lawton was more than adequate at centre . Liddell , if not so prominent , was handicapped by a pulled muscle'.
Great Britain -
Frank Swift (England), George Hardwick (England), Billy Hughes (Wales), Archie Macaulay (Scotland), Jackie Vernon (Ireland), Ron Burgess (Wales), Stanley Matthews (England), Wilf Mannion (England), Tommy Lawton (England), Billy Steel (Scotland), Billy Liddell (Scotland).
Rest of Europe -
Da Rui ( France) ; Petersen ( Denmark ) , Steffen ( Switzerland ); Carey ( Eire ) captain Parola ( Italy ) and Ludl ( Czechoslovakia ); Lambrechts ( Belgium) , Gren ( Sweden ) , Nordahl ( Sweden ) , Wilkes ( Holland ) , and Prest ( Denmark )
