February might be famous for its holidays (Valentine’s Day and Leap Day) and their respective mascots (Cupid and Leap Day William), but it’s also known as the month when the looming threat of impending blizzards plagues much of Europe.
That isn’t necessarily a bad thing for soccer fans, however, given that snowstorms have historically provided some of the most eye-catching backdrops for the beautiful game. Here’s a look back at 100+ years of soccer played on frozen pitches from Asia to Antarctica, and everywhere in between.
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January 1926 – Coin toss at Highbury for Arsenal's meeting with Manchester United. Official reports fail to mention how many times said coin got lost in the snow.
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November 2015 - Genki Haraguchi of Hertha Berlin and Jin-Su Kim of Hoffenheim during a less-than-warm Bundesliga match.
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March 2013 – US national team supporters keep warm by vocalizing during a 2014 World Cup qualifier against Costa Rica.
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October 1997 – Goalmouth action during Norwegian club Tromso's 3-2 victory over Chelsea in the 1997 European Cup Winners Cup.
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January 1926 – A determined groundskeeper monitors the touchline at Craven Cottage prior to an FA Cup match-up between Fulham and Everton.
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February 1979 – Everton's Andy King attempts (and almost certainly immediately regrets) a tackle on Wolverhampton's Steve Daley.
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December 2014 – Martin Demichelis of Manchester City, presumably waving hello to the ongoing blizzard.
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February 1963 – First Division match between Tottenham and Arsenal on a snow-covered Highbury pitch; Spurs would go on to win the encounter 3-2.
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January 1938 – Unknown teams competing on what looks to be the least pleasant pitch possible.
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January 2010 – Even a virtual whiteout couldn't prevent Arjen Robben from cutting inside against FSV Mainz 05 at the Allianz Arena.