Fulham v Benfica 29 February 1972

[SP]

Someone gave me the programme from this friendly to celebrate the 'new' Riverside Stand. There are some interesting comments from Chairman Tommy Trinder regarding fair weather fans.

Sounds like a good evening:

'The occasion and the opponents attracted an above-average crowd of 15,646 – including England manager Sir Alf Ramsey - and we played well above ourselves, producing a rousing performance to win 3-2.'

https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2013/june/06/throwback-thursday

Did anyone attend this game, any memories to share?

[Mickeyboro]

I was definitely there, with my Dad, but can remember little more than seeing Eusebio. Foreign players had a mystique in those far-off days.

[Ronnief]

I was there and Eusebio was very impressive. Seen many world class footballers at the Cottage since. 

[Arthur]

I have a picture in my mind of Eusebio rifling one of Benfica's goals into the roof of the net from outside our penalty area at the Putney end.

[Holders]

I was there but can't remember much about the game apart from seeing Eusebio and the opening of the "new" Riverside stand.

[JimmyConway]

I was there remember Mellor bringing off a great save from Eusebio. If memory serves me right was the game to open The Eric Millar stand? which then became The Riverside stand? The other point and I don't know if it was the Benfica game or The Santos game with Pele but pretty sure we wore a Red kit?

[Dr Know]

I was there remember Mellor bringing off a great save from Eusebio. If memory serves me right was the game to open The Eric Millar stand? which then became The Riverside stand? The other point and I don't know if it was the Benfica game or The Santos game with Pele but pretty sure we wore a Red kit?

We definitely wore red against Santos !

[Woolly Mammoth]

I was there with my father, we sat in the Riverside Stand.
I do remember thinking what a wonderful player Eusebio was.

[The Old Count]

I was there with my old mate Jem. A great, if not slightly drunken evening.  I was worried that the new stand might be a bit of a white elephant.

[bill taylors apprentice]

I was there and still have the match program.

[Jem]

I was there with my old mate Jem. A great, if not slightly drunken evening.  I was worried that the new stand might be a bit of a white elephant.

Ah, the slightly drunk evening is probably why I dont remember much about it other than thinking we were going to get hammered. How wrong I was.

[Cornishnick]

Ah yes, I remember this game although not much detail. Actually seeing Eusebio was a real treat for an English fan at Fulham and he was very special, turned it on for us that day. So much european footie these days, there's very little time for this kind of match anymore.

[Jim©]

Out of interest, does anyone remember how long the stand took to build?

[Woolly Mammoth]

I was there with my father, we sat in the Riverside Stand.
I do remember thinking what a wonderful player Eusebio is.

[Fernhurst]

My last game I witnessed with my Dad and brother.

You've all heard previously:

Stood on the Riverside embankment before there was a stand there.
Attended the opening of the Riverside. Eusebio and all.
Attended the last game before demolishment (v Newcastle lost 0-4).
Went to the opening of The Fulham Pier and witnessed FACup game v Sunderland from the new seats.
I wonder if FFC are going to have a specific opening match or has too much time passed since all the seats were opened up.

Lovely memory of that game; couldn't take my eyes off Eusebio, brilliant player.

[sunburywhite]

I think I was there but I dont remeber a lot about the 70's lol

[Mr White]

I was there
Eusebio was definitely the highlight on the pitch and back in the day the Riverside was impressive.

[Woodlawn]

I was lucky to have been in the right place at the right time and got Eusebio autograph which I will treasure forever.