Overview 1980 – 1985

Scotland qualified for their third consecutive world cup finals and were drawn in a tough group which featured Brazil and Soviet Union, the Scots however put on a brave show, they began with a draw against the Soviet union and they were briefly leading against Brazil before being routed 4-1. Scotland was once again eliminated from the world cup on goal difference as they beat New Zealand in their other group match. Thus they maintained their unbelievable record of never having gone beyond the first round of world cup finals despite by that point qualifying five times.
Scotland began their Euro 84 qualifying campaign quite well for a change as they beat East Germany 2-0 at home with two second half goals. They followed that up by a decent 2-2 draw against the much fancied Belgium and were contenders for qualification. However two draws against Belgium and Switzerland ended Scotland’s hope of qualification, and it went from bad to worse as they lost their final match 2-1 to East Germany. Scotland now had to focus for qualifying for the 1986 world cup finals. Scotland once again qualified at the expense of Wales for the world cup finals. In a crucial match between Wales and Scotland, Scotland needed a draw to ensure qualification for the finals. Wales were ahead 1-0 at half time and the Scots were despondent. As the second half continued, Jock Stein, Scotland’s manager, sensed the Welsh had settled for preserving their slim lead and Dave cooper was sent on for Gordon strachan. The Scots were instantly revitalised. However with ten minutes remaining a dubious handball in the penalty was awarded a penalty for Scotland which Cooper scored from the spot. Scotland were through, however tragedy occurred right after the match as Jock stein collapsed just before the final whistle and sadly died of a heart attack. Alex Ferguson temporarily took over as manager.