The Tartan Army or Scottish fans at a qualifying match for the 1998 World Cup. Scotland Information Pack: World Cup Finals 1998 leaflet, NRS, ED27/581
This summer, World Cup fever will hit Scotland. Scotland will be taking their place as one of 48 teams to have qualified for the tournament hosted by Canada, United States and Mexico. Scottish fans have waited a long time for this: the team have not made it to a finals since 1998. This year fans making their way to Boston or Miami for the early stages of the Scottish campaign, and millions more watching from home, will be hoping for their team to go all the way or at the very least make it out of the group stages of the competition. We delved into the National Records of Scotland (NRS) archives to find out about the highs and lows of Scotland’s previous World Cup campaigns.
Image of the Jules Rimet Cup which was the original trophy of the FIFA World Cup (1930-1974). It was named after the FIFA president who instigated the tournament. It was retired in 1974 and permanently given to Brazil who had won their third title in a row. In 1983 it was stolen from Brazil and has not been recovered. Image taken from the official 1958 World Cup programme. Courtesy of the Murray family private collection.
This will be the ninth time Scotland’s men’s football team have appeared at the FIFA World Cup. Scotland made their debut at the 1954 tournament hosted by Switzerland and ultimately won by West Germany. Scotland could have participated in the 1950 tournament in Brazil but declined after they finished second in their qualifying group. In their eight previous appearances, Scotland have never made it past the group stages. They have come agonisingly close on three occasions, but missed out on progression due to goal difference. Despite this, Scotland’s ‘Tartan Army’ of travelling fans have enjoyed some magical moments.
Scotland were eliminated from the 1954 competition without scoring a goal, so the honour of being the first Scottish player to score in a World Cup final fell to Heart of Midlothian legend Jimmy Murray who in the 1958 tournament equalised in a 1-1 draw against Yugoslavia.
Scotland’s first World Cup goal was scored by Jimmy Murray (above) wearing his national kit, 1958. Courtesy of the Murray family private collection.
The Scotland team selected for the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. Tommy Younger, goalkeeper, is the only signature missing. Image taken from the official 1958 World Cup programme. Courtesy of the Murray family private collection.
The 1958 tournament, which also saw the debut of a 17-year-old Pele, would be the last chance Scottish fans would get to see their team at the final stages of a World Cup for 16 years. An absence made harder to bear by their arch rivals England winning the tournament on home soil in 1966. While not qualifying for the 1966 edition of the World Cup, 11 months later, Scotland travelled to Wembley to face an England team unbeaten since their World Cup win. Despite being underdogs, Scotland managed to beat the ‘auld enemy’ 2-3 thanks to a virtuoso display by Sunderland A.F.C.’s Jim Baxter. As they were the first team to beat England since lifting the World Cup, Scottish fans dubbed themselves the unofficial world champions!
Scottish Information Office Press Brief, 1974 Crown copyright, National Records of Scotland (NRS), ED62/98
Scotland returned to the World Cup at 1974 tournament in West Germany saw Scotland placed in a group with Yugoslavia, Brazil and Zaire. The national team were the only UK team to qualify and was among the strongest sides Scotland have fielded at a World Cup, with icons including joint all-time top scorers Denis Law and Kenny Dalglish, captain Billy Bremner and stylish winger Jimmy Johnstone.
The then Minister for Sport, Denis Howell, sought support from the House of Commons in Scotland’s endeavours at the 1974 tournament. He hoped that support would equal that “given to England in the previous two series” (NRS, ED62/98).
Denis Howell’s letter seeking support for the Scottish national team at the 1974 World Cup “as was given to England in the previous two series”. Crown copyright, NRS, ED62/98
House of Commons
London SW1A 0AA
9th Jan 1974
Dear Gordon
World Cup
I think it is very important that the
whole country gives as much support to the Scottish team
in its World Cup endeavours as was given to England
in the two previous series.
I do hope you will ensure that the
Government does all in its power, by finance if
needed, but more particularly by ensuring
the maximum co-operation from all quarters in
the essential preparation of the team.
If we can assist you in this from
our side of the House then we shall be very
pleased to do so.
Sincerely
Denis Howell
Scotland put on a fine performance in West Germany, only conceding one goal in the group stages. Having beaten Ziare 2-0 in their opening game, they held reigning champions Brazil to an impressive goalless draw and secured another draw with a much-fancied Yugoslavia team. However, it was not enough to see Scotland through and they were eliminated, not for the last time, on goal difference. Optimism had clearly been high in the Scotland Office as an official had plotted out Scotland’s route to the final. In reality, hosts West Germany would beat Netherlands in the final.
Memo stating Colin Munro, British diplomat, will attend Scotland’s early matches and details the matches Scotland were to play and win to get to the final. Crown copyright, NRS, ED62/98
In 1978, Scotland were once again, the UK’s only participant at the FIFA World Cup and if anything optimism was even higher, with new Scotland manager Ally McLeod predicted a strong performance from his side, stating that they could even win the tournament being held in Argentina. The nucleus of the 1974 team was enhanced by players like Graeme Souness, Lou Macari and Archie Gemmill making a World Cup squad for the first time.
Cover of Andy Cameron’s album ‘Andy’s Tartan Album, featuring ‘Ally’s Tartan Army’, which was subject to a Sheriff Court action for payment due to the designers of the cover art. NRS, SC36/9/1978/5/3
That year the fans sang along to comedian Andy Cameron’s novelty song ‘Ally’s Tartan Army’. The lyrics were sung as many tartan scarfs were swayed above fans’ heads:
We're on the march with Ally's army,
We're going to the Argentine.
And we'll really shake them up,
When we win the World Cup,
'Cause Scotland are the greatest football team!
The song climbed to number 6 in the UK singles chart. However, the official 1978 World Cup single released by the Scotland National football team and Rod Stewart was ‘Ole Ole (Mulher Brasileira)’ which reached no. 4 in the UK singles chart. Which do you prefer?
Despite the wave of enthusiasm, things on the pitch did not go to plan. After an opening defeat to an weak Peruvian side, Scotland midfielder Willie Johnston was sent home after testing positive for a banned substance taken to combat hay fever. This was followed by a 1-1 draw against debutantes Iran. Despite these disappointing results and Johnston’s expulsion, it would be Scotland’s last game in Group 4, against eventual finalists the Netherlands, that would live long in the memories of Scottish fans. Scotland needed to beat a strong Netherlands side by three clear goals to progress in the tournament. With 68 minutes left on the clock and the score at 2-1 to Scotland, Archie Gemmill weaved his way through the Netherlands defence and chipped opposition goalkeeper Jan Jongbloed to score one of the all-time great World Cup goals and briefly give Scotland hope of making it out of the group. Unfortunately, hopes would be dashed after the match finished Scotland 3-2 Netherlands and just as four years earlier, Scotland would miss out on goal difference.
In 1982 Scotland qualified for a third successive World Cup. Held in Spain, Scotland found themselves in a tricky looking Group 6 with Brazil and Soviet Union strong favourites to progress. Scotland’s tournament got off to the best possible start with a comfortable 5-2 win against New Zealand. Scotland’s second game against an all-star Brazil team got off to a great start, with full-back David Narey putting Scotland ahead with a spectacular long-range goal. Brazil’s response was swift and brutal, as they put four goals past Scottish goalkeeper Alan Rough to win the match 4-1. A 2-2 draw against the Soviet Union left both sides on three points and the Soviets progressing on goal difference.
Jock Stein, assisted by Aberdeen manager Alex Ferguson, led Scotland into the qualifying campaign for the 1986 tournament hosted by Mexico. Scotland went into their last qualifying match away to Wales needing a draw to ensure qualification. With the scores level, tragically Stein, long in poor health, had a fatal heart attack and died in the stadium’s medical room. Alex Ferguson served as interim manager for the World Cup, but placed in an extremely difficult group with West Germany, Denmark and Uruguay and struggling to come to terms with the death of their manager, Scotland finished bottom of the group with a single point, having only scored one goal.
For the 1990 World Cup in Italy, the hopes of the Scottish fans were higher as Andy Roxburgh, a coach with an abundance of experience took the reins. Thousands of fans travelled to Italy to take in the atmosphere, many without tickets. The Scottish Office nervous about fan disorder implemented drinking bans on flights to Italy and stationed senior Scottish police officers in Genoa and Turin where Scotland’s group matches were taking place.
One leaflet was distributed to Scotland fans in Italy enclosed helpful information to enable them to enjoy their stay. It included a message from Andy Roxburgh, Scotland’s National Coach. It advises to be wary of the local drinks which can be “very potent and care should be taken when trying them”. It also supplies some useful Italian phrases such as “I am Scottish, I do not speak Italian”, and “Where is the bus stop for the stadium?”.
Information for Scottish fans travelling to Italy for the 1990 World Cup (detail). NRS, ED62/124
In the days before mobile phones and email, the Scottish police officers in Italy sent regular situation reports by fax to the Scottish Office. These were usually made after matches and included descriptions of fans’ behaviour in around Genoa and Turin. One such report of 10 June 1990 states:
"SFA Travel Club members very prominent in town [Genoa]. Pipers attracting predictable attention and although City Centre chaotic with 5-10,000 cars driving fast with horns flags to celebrate Italy’s win [Italy beat Austria 1-0 on 9 June]. Scots mingling happily and being allowed by Italian police to swim sung climb in the large fountain in Piazza de Ferrari…2,000 Scots fans in Genoa last night having fun and causing no problem." (NRS, ED62/124).
Indeed, the police reports from Scotland’s group stage matches contained reports of good behaviour, noting no arrests and interacting in a friendly manner with other nations’s fans and local residents.
Michael Forsyth MP, the government minister with responsibility for sport at the Scottish Office at the time of the Italian World Cup, wished the Scotland team ‘Buona Fortuna’ [good luck] as the squad left for Italy. He was also quick to defend the Scottish fans in Italy when a prospective question was to be asked in the House of Commons regarding the behaviour of English and Scottish fans at the World Cup:
Forsyth prepared a response to the question of fan behaviour in Italy, proudly stating: “The 20,000 Scottish fans in Italy behaved very well and won the good opinion of their hosts…I am delighted to endorse the widespread praise which their behaviour has attracted”. Crown copyright, NRS, ED62/124
Despite winning new friends in Italy, on the pitch it was much like old times. Placed in the same group as Brazil for the fourth time in World Cup history, Scotland’s campaign started with a shock defeat against Costa Rica, followed by a 2-1 victory against Sweden, before losing by a single goal against Brazil in front of 62,000 fans in Turin.
Scotland’s impressive run of appearing in five successive World Cups came to an end when they failed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup in the USA. But four years later, Scotland secured their place at the 1998 tournament in France.
With the tournament taking place so close to home, there was disappointment when the ticket allocation for Scottish fans was too low, and many fans wrote to their MP questioning this. At official level there was concern that a large number of fans may travel to France without a ticket for match day and subsequently a press campaign was launched to persuade fans “NO TICKET, NO TRAVEL”. It was also felt necessary to set up a ‘Hooligan Hotline’ which encourage fellow fans to report hooligan behaviour.
Crimestoppers poster encouraging good fan behaviour in France with the tagline ‘Don’t let the side down’. NRS, ED27/581
Donald Dewar the former First Minister for Scotland issued a good luck message to the Squad and he also took the opportunity to send a message to the 20,000 fans who took “the tartan trail to France”:
“Scotland’s fans are famous for their high spirits, good behaviour and loyal support of the team I am confident their reputation will be enhanced this summer. But it only takes one idiot to destroy our good name, and we must guard against that. My message to the members of the Tartan Army now packing their kit bags is simple – pack your sense of humour, pack your spirit of international friendship, but don’t leave your common sense at home.” (NRS ED27/579).
Dewar’s advice was largely heeded by the Tartan Army and as in Italy, Scotland’s supporters enhanced their reputation for good behaviour, winning the Per Ludos Fraternitas Award for the best-behaved supporters at the tournament.
On the pitch, manager Craig Brown selected an experienced squad, including Champions League winner Paul Lambert and veteran goalkeeper Jim Leighton who was featuring in his fourth World Cup squad. Scotland were drawn in Group 1, along with Morocco, Brazil, and Norway. Scotland had the honour of playing the opening match of the tournament against reigning champions and old foes Brazil in front of 80,000 fans. The Brazilians took an early lead, but John Collins, who played his club football in France, scored a penalty for the Scots to even the score at 1-1. An unfortunate own goal by Tommy Boyd gave Brazil the lead and despite losing the match, Scotland did not disgrace themselves at the showpiece event.
If spirits were high after their first match, disappointment would soon follow. A draw against Norway followed and a surprise defeat against Morocco in their final group game sealed Scotland’s fate: the fans packed their kit bags to return home. Those crestfallen fans travelling their way back from France would find it hard to believe that it would be another 28 years before they would see their team at a World Cup final again.
Team photo of some of the Scottish players who helped Scotland qualify for the 1998 World Cup. Notable missing players who were not sent to France seen here is captain Gary McAllister (wearing number 10 shirt, injured) and Ally McCoist (wearing number 16 shirt, not selected). Scotland Information Pack: World Cup Finals 1998 leaflet. Crown copyright, NRS, ED27/581
And so we have made it to 2026. Scotland qualified for the tournament in fine style, securing qualifying in a dramatic style against Denmark, with Scott McTominey’s overhead kick rivalling Archie Gemmill and David Narey’s finest moments. Steve Clarke’s side will have the support of the whole nation behind them. In an echo of France 1998, Scotland will face Brazil and Morocco in their group matches and with the possibility of three teams making it out of the group, this could be Scotland’s best chance yet of making the knockout stages of a World Cup and from there, who knows? They may be 50/1 outsiders to take the trophy, but win lose or draw, the Tartan Army in North America and supporters back home in Scotland will be cheering their team on and as the fan chant goes: ‘no Scotland, no party!’
You can follow Scotland’s progress in this year’s World Cup and watch highlights (including Archie Gemmill’s iconic goal and John Collin’s penalty) and full matches from their previous appearances on FIFA's website.
