Evald Tipner, Estonian footballer and ice hockey player (d. 1947)

Evald Tipner (March 13, 1906 – July 18, 1947) was a remarkable Estonian athlete, a true multi-sport talent who left a lasting mark across football, ice hockey, and bandy. His versatility was characteristic of many sportsmen in the early 20th century, demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication across multiple disciplines, a feat rarely seen in modern professional sports.

His Multi-Sport Legacy

Evald Tipner's contributions to Estonian national sports were substantial. He was an integral player for the Estonian national football team, earning an impressive 66 caps during his career, a testament to his consistent performance and importance on the pitch. Beyond the football field, his athletic prowess extended to ice hockey, where he proudly represented his nation once, and to bandy, for which he earned seven caps. His remarkable athleticism wasn't confined to team sports; he was also recognized as a proficient competitor in track and field, further cementing his status as a comprehensive sporting figure of his era.

The World Cup Preliminary Goal Controversy

One of the most discussed aspects of Evald Tipner's legacy, and a fascinating footnote in the annals of early international football, revolves around a disputed goal in the first-ever World Cup preliminary competition. On June 11, 1933, during a match between Estonia and Sweden in Stockholm, a goal was scored just seven minutes into the game. Some historical sources suggest that this was an own goal scored by Tipner against Sweden, which, if true, would uniquely position him as the first goalscorer in World Cup preliminary history. However, this narrative isn't universally accepted. Other reputable sources contend that the goal was not an own goal at all, but rather a legitimate score by the Swedish captain, Knut Kroon. This ongoing historical ambiguity surrounding the incident adds an intriguing layer to the story of a pioneering Estonian athlete and the formative years of global football tournaments, making the Sweden vs Estonia 1933 match a point of historical curiosity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Evald Tipner

Who was Evald Tipner?

Evald Tipner was a prominent Estonian multi-sport athlete (March 13, 1906 – July 18, 1947) renowned for his prowess in football, ice hockey, and bandy, as well as track and field.

What sports did Evald Tipner play at the national level?

Tipner represented Estonia in football (66 caps), bandy (7 caps), and ice hockey (1 cap), demonstrating his remarkable versatility across different sporting disciplines.

What is the controversy surrounding Evald Tipner and the World Cup?

He is at the center of a historical debate regarding the first-ever goal scored in World Cup preliminary competition. Some sources claim he scored an own goal for Sweden against Estonia in 1933, seven minutes into the match, while others attribute the goal to Swedish captain Knut Kroon.

How many times was Evald Tipner capped for the Estonian national football team?

Evald Tipner was capped an impressive 66 times for the Estonian national football team.