Frankfurt FSV v Manchester City Friendly 1953/54

 FRANKFURT FSV 2 CITY 2

Friendly

2nd August 1953

Attendance £35,000

From TRAUTMANN THE BIOGRAPHY by Alan Rowlands The match itself was attended by 35,000 spectators and started spectacularly as the match ball was dropped on to the field by a passing helicopter. Trautmann's adrenalin was flowing,he desperately wanted to do well in front of his fellow countrymen, and felt a little annoyed by the lassez-faire attitude of his side, who regarded the game as just a warm up for the season with nothing at stake. Trautmann had a lot to prove to his nation and to the watching German League club representatives. He urged his team to put on a good show. After an entertaining but goal-less first half Trautmann and, to his surprise, McDowall urged the team to step up a gear. They did, and established a 2-0 lead, but to Bert's further annoyance, sat back on their advantage. Don Revie contrived to handle a through ball in the penalty area to give away a penalty, which Bert spectacularly saved. The roar of approval was immense. The German football public had seen the famous Bert Trautmann play for the first time as a professional on his own soil and were completely overwhelmed by his talent and virtuosity. The resulting 2-2 draw was an acceptable result, and after a pleasant three day visit the City organisation returned to Manchester to start the new First Division campaign.

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