This day in European football history - December 18

Bangor City FC were established on this day. They were winners of Wales football championship 3 times.

International football referee Esko Pekonen from Finland was born on this day. He refereed matches of European national football teams (7 games in total). Passed away on September 27, 1984.

The 1st ever international game of the Portugal national team was held in Madrid vs Spain.

The 1st ever international game of the Poland national team was held in Budapest vs Hungary.

Alberto Augusto scored the 1st ever goal of Portugal national team in international match in Madrid against Spain.

87 years ago, the former Sweden football player Harry Bild is born. He appeared for 28 matches in total and scored 13 international goals for Sweden.

Birthday of Karol Dobiaš, who played for Czechoslovakia national team in period 1967-1980 (67 caps and 6 goals).

Birthday of the Montenegro football referee Nikola Dabanović, who was an official at 19 international games of European association football teams.

Puck van Heel died at the age of 80. He appeared in 64 international football games for Netherlands team. Date of his birth: January 21, 1904.

Valerijonas Balčiūnas passed away aged 80. He was a well-known international football referee from Lithuania. He also played for national team. Date of his birth: November 27, 1904.

Belgium referee Lawrence Visser is born 34 years ago. He is known to have officiated 9 international matches of European teams during the period from 2020 to 2023.

Lithuania footballer Arvydas Novikovas is born today. He made his debut for national team in 2010 and earned 94 caps, scoring 12 goals.

International football venue Medical Park Stadyumu was inaugurated in Trabzon. Since opening, 1 game of European national football teams was played on the stadium.

Bosse Larsson passed away at the age of 79. He played for Sweden national team in period from 1964 to 1978 (70 caps and 17 goals). Born on May 5, 1944.