Scotland 2- 0 Zaire
Date Played – June 1974

The first match of the world cup group was between Scotland and Zaire, as usual there had been dissension in the Scottish camp, both Jimmy Johnston and Billy Bremner were in trouble via non football incidents and their manager, Ormonde, had to intercede on their behalf to avoid the players being sent home. The Scots, in an ideal world, would have liked to thrash a barrage of goals at Zaire. Scotland totally dominated the first half play; however as the Africans were playing some exhilarating football, Scotland had trouble breaking them down. Scotland’s lack of power in the penalty area was more than evident and it was not until Lorimer scoring in the middle stages of the first period with a fierce right foot shot, they started to relax. Jordan headed a second from a Bremner free kick in the latter stages of the first half and Zaire prepared themselves for a second half onslaught. The expected onslaught did not occur; Scotland seemed more than content with the two goal advantage and played half pace possession football until the final whistle in the sweltering conditions.