On this day 125 ago, a match in Scotland saw Sunderland crowned world champions. Reigning English champions Sunderland travelled to Edinburgh to face Scottish champions Hearts. With the game of football still in its infancy in other countries, it was down to the best in England and Scotland to battle it out for the title of best in the world.
Also on this day in 2007, The Black Cats faced Burnley at the Stadium of Light in what was a five-goal thriller. A Sunderland win would take them to the top of the Championship with just one game remaining. Roy Keane’s men had looked to be in a relegation battle until the Irishman’s appointment. He was now on the brink of gaining promotion in his first season as a manager.
On This Day: Sunderland Crowned World Champions and Win Five-Goal Thriller
Sunderland Crowned World Champions
Sunderland had won their third league title in four years and were known as ‘The Team of All Talents’. The match against Hearts, at the Scottish side’s home ground, Tynecastle, would determine who the best team in the world was. The game ended up being a classic goal fest with the two teams sharing eight goals between them.
Two world champions had been crowned previously; however, these games were contested between the cup winners of England and Scotland. On this day in 1895, it would be the first time champions would meet champions. A contrast in playing styles made this an intriguing game. Sunderland were an all-out attacking side, whereas Hearts were solid in defence and one of the first to use the offside trap to great effectiveness.
A record crowd for Tynecastle of 12,000 were in attendance for kick-off; however, by half-time, a further 3,000 had made their way into the ground. Sunderland took a two-goal lead into the break thanks to Harry Johnston and John Campbell. Hearts began to dominate and to the delight of their fans found themselves leading 3-2.
Sunderland were not about to give up and soon equalised. Campbell then got his second to put the English champion back in front. A fifth followed with Hearts now having no answer to Sunderland’s attack. The men from Wearside England were now World Champions and were now established as one of the giants of the game.
Five-Goal Thriller Sends Sunderland Top of the League
In another memorable game that would live long in the memory, Sunderland won an epic game on this day in 2007. The victory put the Black Cats within touching distance of a return to the Premier League after just one season. When Roy Keane took over as manager earlier in the season, the club were struggling and survival was the aim. The former Manchester United captain took a team devoid of confidence and moulded them into a team that reflected him when he played and now as a manager.
Against the odds, he made some shrewd signings, got the team playing well and then promoted in his first season as a manager. On this night 13 years ago, the result meant one more win (which they would get) would guarantee promotion.
As any Sunderland supporter knows, the Black Cats rarely do things the easy way. What followed was a five-goal thriller. On a night of many emotions, fans witnessed goals, three penalties and a world-class winner. Keane’s men took the lead through striker Daryl Murphy. David Connolly should have doubled the lead only for his penalty to be saved. Burnley equalised via a penalty of their own to make it 1-1 at halftime.
The Clarets took the lead five minutes into the second half; however, just four minutes later, Connolly made up for his earlier penalty miss, the Republic of Ireland striker converting his second chance from the spot. It was now edge of the seat stuff at the Stadium of Light as both teams went in search of the winner. On 80 minutes, winger Carlos Edwards produced a piece of magic that will continue to be replayed for years to come to win the game. His stunning drive from well outside of the box almost broke the net and it sealed the win for Keane and his Sunderland team.
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