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| Version | User | Scope of changes |
|---|---|---|
| May 13 2008, 5:16 AM EDT (current) | auldbhoy | |
| May 8 2008, 6:43 AM EDT | auldbhoy |
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Celtic Tournaments - World of Soccer Cup
In the summer of 1977 Celtic made their first ever trip to Asia and Australia to compete in the two tournaments held under the banner of the World of Soccer Cup The tournaments were the idea of English entrepreneur Reg Lambourne and would be staged in Singapore and Arsenal. Both competitions would feature the Bhoys as well Arsenal, Red Star Belgrade and a select side from the host nations.
So on July 13th Celtic walked out in front of a 45,000 crowd at the impressive Singapore National Stadium and set about inflicting a 5-0 thrashing to a Singapore select XI. Alfie Conn netter twice while Tommy Burns, Bobby Lennox and Johannes Edvaldsson grabbed a goal each.
However it was a much less enjoyable experience for the Hoops four days later when they crashed 3-1 in the final to an impressive Red Star team who had adapted much better to the hot and humid conditions. It was a thoroughly deserved victory for the Belgrade side. Bobby Lennox netted Celtic’s goal but in truth a rather sluggish looking Hoops side were well beaten.
The World of Soccer Cup then moved on to Melbourne for a second tournament, this time played under a league format with the top two sides playing in a final. After their semi-final defeat to Red Star in Singapore things got even worse for Arsenal when they lost 3-1 to the unfancied Australian select side.
Celtic’s campaign began with a dramatic 1-1 draw at Olympic Park, Melbourne on July 21st with Red Star. In a competitive encounter Roddie MacDonald snatched a late equaliser after Pat Stanton had been sent off for retaliation. The Bhoys then moved on to Sydney where a double from Paul Wilson and a goal from Ronnie Glavin saw Celtic defeat Arsenal 3-2 at the S.C.G ON July 24th.
A couple of days later at the same venue Glavin again netted while Edvaldsson bagged a double to secure another 3-2 win – this time over the Australia select team. That victory set Celtic up for a final clash with Red Star back in Melbourne on July 31at. Given the nature of the last encounter between the clubs this was always going to be a keenly fought contest and a crowd of 22,000 gathered to witness a fiery encounter.
The Belgrade team had finished second in the mini-league but were viewed as being favourites for the final. However Jock Stein had as usual done his homework and learnt from past mistakes. He sent out a team to frustrate the technically superior Red Star side and his men did their job perfectly.
The Bhoys allowed the Slavs plenty of possession in the middle of the park but frustrated their opponents by crowding them out whenever the ball got near to the danger zone. When in possession Celtic played a quick counter attacking game and it worked a treat. Just moments before half-time Celtic took the lead when Red Star failed to deal with an inswinging corner from Alfie Conn which hit the bar before being forced home by Roddie MacDonald.
A desperate Red Star began to take gambles in search of an equaliser and were punished after Paul Wilson made a ligtening break up the right flank and delivered a decisive cross which was finished by Edvaldsson.
It was clinical and impressive performance by the Bhoys and Danny McGrain lifted the trophy which unbeknown to all at the time would be Jock Stein’s last as Celtic manager.
