Classic Matches 1975- 1980

Scotland 2-0 Wales – World cup qualifier
Date Played – 12th October 1977

Scotland needed victory in the game to secure qualification for the 1978 world cup finals. Scotland manager, Ally MacLeod made two changes from the side that had beaten Czechoslovakia 3-1 a month before. Willie Donachie replaced Danny McGrain at left back and Lou Macari replaced Bruce Rioch in midfield. Macari’s inclusion proved to be an instant success as he wriggled in amongst the Welsh defenders. For the opening quarter of an hour, Scotland overwhelmed the Welsh and might have been three goals to the good; however Dai Davies in the Welsh goal made a string of super saves. Scotland forced three corners in quick succession however Wales somehow managed to clear the ball. The match was played at a much faster pace in the second half; there were yellow cards for Donachie and Welsh midfielder Terry Yorath. Then Welsh player, John Toshak came close to a goal with a lob which forced a fantastic fingertip save from Scottish goal keeper Rough on the hour mark. At the opposite end the Welsh goal keeper Dai Davies made a great save of his own from a close range Kenny Dalglish header. Wales had survived, or so they believed. Moments later Scotland were awarded a controversial penalty which Don Masson converted, television replays suggest that it was never a penalty as the alleged handball by a Welsh player was actually from a Scottish player. With five minutes remaining, Dalglish headed Scotland’s second goal from a Martin Buchan cross. Scotland were now in the 1978 world cup finals.

Scotland 3-2 Holland
Date played – June 1978

Scotland required a victory over Holland by three clear goals to secure progression to the second round of the world cup, however before the game, a draw even seemed unlikely. Scotland started the match the better, after just five minutes, Rioch hit the cross bar with a header. In the 10th minute of the game, Johan Neeskens went off with a rib injury. Two minutes later Dalglish forced the ball past Jongbloed into the back of the net, however the goal was disallowed due to pushing the defender. Holland took the lead with ten minutes remaining in the first half with a penalty converted by Resenbrick; however the lead only lasted for eight minutes as Scotland equalized when Jordan nodded down a high ball to Dalglish, who blasted it home to make it 1-1. Scotland started the second half the brighter, as Souness was pulled down; Gemmill converted the penalty to make it 2-1 to Scotland. With twenty minutes remaining qualification to the next phase seemed very likely as Archie Gemmill scored a fantastic solo goal, going past three Dutch defenders and the score line was 3-1 to Scotland. However Dutch striker Johnny rep scored a great goal on the 71st minute, carrying the ball from the half way line and he hit a 30 yard shot that Alan rough had no chance of saving. Scotland dominated the latter stages of the match searching for more goals; however they were knocked out of the world cup on the back of a fine victory.