1988-08-07: Celtic 4-2 Cruzeiro, ( Brazil), Centenary Cup Challenge Match

Match Pictures \| Matches: 1988 – 1989 \| 1988-1989 Pictures

Match Pictures | Matches: 1988 – 1989 | 1988-1989 Pictures

Trivia
Celtic fans disappointed by low key game against mediocre opposition.
All ticket game.
Rumours of a glamour game against Inter Milan or Real Madrid come to nothing.
Celtic directors accused of lack of ambition in choosing opposition.
Cruzeiro players were perplexed at the size of the crowd.They thought it was a meaningless friendly.
New goalkeeper Ian Andrews turns out for the first time.
Tribute Games

Note:

Prior to the game a youth final (Centenary Trophy final) was held between Dunfermline v Dundee Utd (pics on the pics page)
Lee Richardson on Twitter (@ballingry007): "I played before that for dunfermline against Dundee United, it was u15 or 16s celtic centenary trophy, got pelters from all my mates in the jungle after it as I missed a pen and United won it, still got the medal"

Review

Fresh from their Double success in the Centenary season of 1987-88 Celtic played Brazilian side Cruzeiro Belo Horizonte in the Centenary Cup challenge match to mark 100 years of the Bhoys.

A crowd of 42,000 turn up to watch the Hoops take on their Brazilian visitors who were a somewhat bewildering choice of opposition for what was meant to be a showcase birthday celebration for the Parkhead faithful. In truth the Brazilian side were very ordinary and certainly didn't live up to the standard expected of their homeland.

An Andy Walker hat-trick and a goal from Frank McAvennie saw the Scottish champions triumph 4-2. The Celtic team that started the game was: Ian Andrews, Chris Morris, Anton Rogan, Roy Aitken, Mick McCarthy, Peter Grant, Joe Miller, Paul McStay, Frank McAvennie, Andy Walker, Tommy Burns.

This game was played on a Sunday and was very low key. It was not the glamorous celebration the club and the fans deserved.