Dunfermline Athletic v Stuttgart in 1964: How the Pars won in Europe

Despite a dominant performance, the Pars won the tie narrowly, with a lone goal from the late great Tommy Callaghan sealing advancement in the competition, the only Scottish team to get that far in the 1964/65 season. 

The match reports from the Press at the time showcased the contrasting styles of play, with Dunfermline on top in the first leg but struggling to convert chances, while the second leg became a tense defensive battle defined by resilience and a decisive penalty save.

The first leg was played at East End Park on November 17, with Willie Cunningham's men in complete charge but with a frustrating inability to finish their chances.

Stuttgart, described as being “pinned to their own penalty area,” offered little in attack, relying heavily on goalkeeper Sawitzki’s prowess to keep the scoreline respectable

Despite a series of intricate attacking moves and numerous clear chances, Dunfermline only managed a single goal, scored by Callaghan in the 70th minute after persistent pressure.

He was later part of the 1968 Scottish Cup winning team for Dunfermline and recently passed away this October at the age of 79.

Tommy Callaghan scores for the Pars (Image: Newsquest) “The Athletic looked as if this, at last, was to be the forerunner of a barrowload of goals,” noted the report, but poor finishing meant “scoring was a lost art”.

Stuttgart were noted for being defensively resolute but rarely venturing forward, and their attacks posed little threat to Herriot’s goal.

The match also saw a tetchy atmosphere, with numerous stoppages for fouls.

The slim 1-0 lead left the Pars with a precarious advantage heading into the second leg in Germany, leading to frustration among fans who felt the tie should have already been settled in their team's favour.

The return leg at Stuttgart's Neckarstadion on December 1 unfolded in stark contrast, defined by Dunfermline’s defensive discipline and a key penalty save by goalkeeper Herriot.

Under pressure from the start, Athletic faced an aggressive side fuelled by a 10,000-strong home crowd. Despite the Germans' relentless attacks, the Scottish team held firm.

Every Dunfermline player contributed, with praise for Alec Smith and Jim Thomson specifically noted.

Melrose heads Edwards' cross past the post (Image: Newsquest) Smith’s versatility was critical, while Thomson was said to have "played one of his best ever games for Athletic".

Herriot’s brilliance was highlighted by a pivotal penalty save in the final minutes, diving full-length to deny Stuttgart’s Waldner and effectively sealing the tie.

A desperate Stuttgart defender clears the ball over his own crossbar (Image: Newsquest)

The controversial decision - following what seemed to the reporter as a fair tackle - sparked heated protests, and Pars felt justice was done with the goalie's top save. 

While the game lacked the flair of the first leg, it was a testament to Dunfermline’s tactical acumen and teamwork. Their defensive resilience, described as “stone-wall tactics,” ultimately secured their passage to the next round against Athletic Bilbao.