1 Intercontinental Cup

Lore & Background

Manchester United won the match 1–0, with captain Roy Keane taking advantage of a mistake by Palmeiras goalkeeper Marcos to score the winning goal. This was United's only Intercontinental Cup triumph, having been beaten by Estudiantes in the 1968 competition. This game was Palmeiras' only appearance in the Intercontinental Cup. Roy Keane was given the man of the match award. Manchester United's victory made them the first and only team from England and also the British Isles to win the Intercontinental Cup.

In Their Own Story

The air in Tokyo hung heavy with humidity and anticipation. Inside the National Stadium, the roar of the crowd was a distant hum to Teddy Sheringham, who found himself isolated near the edge of the box. The ball arced through the night sky, a white blur against the floodlights. He didn't think; he just reacted. His boot connected with the leather, sending it thundering into the back of the net. For a split second, there was silence, followed by an explosion of noise from the United contingent. In that moment, the weight of the entire season—the losses, the comebacks, the injuries—lifted. They were no longer just champions of Europe; they were masters of the world.

Reader's Guide

For the 20th consecutive season, as a result of the competition's sponsorship by Toyota, the match was played at a neutral venue, the National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan.

Did You Know?

• Manchester United's victory made them the first and only team from England and also the British Isles to win the Intercontinental Cup.
• Roy Keane was given the man of the match award.
• This game was Palmeiras' only appearance in the Intercontinental Cup.