SCOTLAND had gone 15 years without qualifying for the finals of a major tournament when they played Czechoslovakia in a vital World Cup qualifier at Hampden in 1973.
In this latest World Cup year, we look at what happened to the team that recorded that historic 2-1 win in front of more than 100,000 ecstatic fans that September night at the National Stadium and earned a place at West Germany 74.
(Main picture: left to right)
WILLIE MORGAN
The Manchester United winger set up both Scotland goals. His corner allowed Jim Holton to net a first-half equaliser, then his cross teed up Joe Jordan for a glorious late headed winner. Played against Brazil and Yugoslavia in the Finals, the latter the last of his 21 caps. Left Old Trafford in 1975 after a fall-out with Scots manager Tommy Docherty. Played for Burnley, Bolton, Blackpool, Chicago Sting and Minnesota Kicks. The Sauchie-born player retired in 1983 aged 39. Now running corporate entertainment firm MSB Marketing in Altrincham, Cheshire.
JIM HOLTON
Six-foot two, eyes of blue, big Jim Holton's after you," sang the Tartan Army. Originally from Lesmahagow, Jim started his pro career with West Brom in 1968. The former Celtic kid left after three years without playing a first-team game. He moved onto Shrewsbury and made the breakthrough. His performances there won him a move to Manchester United in 1973. Netted the morale-boosting equaliser against the Czechs just before half-time. Played in all three group games at the 74 World Cup. Won the last of his 15 caps against East Germany in 1975. Helped United win the Second Division the same year. Moved to Sunderland in 1976, and later joined Coventry and had a brief spell on loan in Detroit. Injury ended his career aged 30 in 1981. Became a pub landlord in Coventry. Died of a heart attack at the wheel of his car aged just 42 in 1993.
JOE JORDAN
Replaced Kenny Dalgish in the second half and his diving header in 75 minutes has gone down in Tartan Army folklore. The Leeds United forward played in all three games in the Finals and scored against Yugoslavia. Nicknamed Jaws, he went on to win 52 caps. The only Scottish player to score in the finals of three World Cups. Having begun his career at Morton, Joe left Leeds to play for Man U in 1978 and later had spells at AC Milan, Hellas Verona, Southampton and Bristol City. Retired in 1988 aged 37. Moved into coaching at Bristol and later had spells in the dug-out at Celtic, Bristol again, Huddersfield and Stoke City. Currently first-team coach at Barclays Premier League club Portsmouth.
TOMMY HUTCHISON
The Coventry winger made his Scotland debut against Czechoslovakia along with Celtic starlet George Connelly. He was a surprise selection. In fact, Tommy was so unknown in his own homeland that, after the game, one of the Scotland selectors congratulated him thus: "Well done, Ian!" Came on as a substitute against Zaire and Yugoslavia in the Finals. Won 17 caps. Went on to play for Seattle, Manchester City, Hong Kong, Burnley, Swansea and Merthyr Tydfil. Finally hung up his boots in 1992 at the grand old age of 45. Now living in Wales and working as a football development officer with Bristol City.
DANNY McGRAIN
Celtic full-back played in all three games in the World Cup Finals in West Germany unaware he had diabetes. The classy, intelligent, revered player went on to enjoy a lengthy and distinguished career for club and country despite the illness. Missed out on the World Cup in Argentina in 1978 due to injury. Captained his country in Spain four years later. Won the last of his 62 caps in the final group game against the USSR. Left Parkhead in 1987 after 17 years in the Hoops first team. Spent a final season at Hamilton. Had a brief flirtation with management at Angus minnnows Arbroath. Now a reserve team coach with Celtic.
BILLY BREMNER
The fiery little Leeds United and Scotland captain nearly crushed the life out of Joe Jordan when he scored his dramatic late winner. The reason? Billy had played for the national team for eight years without being involved in a major Finals. He would play in all three of Scotland's games in the World Cup. Missed a golden chance to score a winner against Brazil that could have sent us into the knock-out stages. His international career ended in 1975 when he was banned from playing for Scotland following high jinks in a Copenhagen hotel after a Euro qualifier against Denmark. Left Leeds after 17 years in 1976 and joined Hull City. Took over as player/manager of Doncaster Rovers in 1978. Later spent a frustrating three-year spell in the dug-out at Elland Road. Returned to Doncaster as boss in 1989. Died of a heart attack aged just 54 in 1997.
DENIS LAW
Despite winning 55 caps for Scotland and scoring 30 goals - still our leading marksman along with Kenny Dalglish - the Law Man played in only one game in the World Cup Finals, the opening match against African minnows Zaire. By then 34, it was his last appearance for the national team. In fact, it was to be his final outing in football. The Aberdonian had called time on his glittering and trophy-laden club career that summer. His now famous back-heeled goal for Manchester City condemned his beloved Manchester United to relegation. Became a media pundit and after-dinner speaker after hanging up his boots. Now aged 68, Denis has recently won a battle against prostate cancer. Still lives in the Manchester area.
DAVIE HAY
Was tipped for greatness along with fellow Quality Street Kids like George Connelly, Kenny Dalglish, Lou Macari and Danny McGrain when he broke into the Celtic first team at the end of the 1960s. The hard-tackling midfielder won the last of his 27 caps against Zaire and Brazil in the World Cup in Germany that summer. Joined Chelsea that year after a dispute with the Parkhead club. He suffered problems with a detached retina and eventually lost the sight in his right eye. A serious knee injury forced him to retire in 1979. Moved into management and enjoyed highs and lows in the dug-out at Motherwell, Celtic, Lillestrom in Norway, St Mirren, Livingston and Dunfermline. Now a newspaper columnist and media pundit.
SANDY JARDINE
The Rangers full-back proved he was one of the best defenders in the world with his displays for Scotland in the World Cup Finals in West Germany. He also represented his country on their ill-fated sortie to Argentina four years later. Won 38 caps. At club level, he played more than 600 times for the Gers between 1967 and 1982. Helped the Ibrox club lift the European Cup- Winners' Cup in 1972 and land two Trebles. Joined home-town team Hearts. Won Player of the Year award for the second time as Jambos came agonisingly close to winning the Scottish title in season 1985/86. Left the Tynecastle club in 1988. Now back at Rangers where he is sales and marketing manager.
KENNY DALGLISH
Having made his Scotland debut aged just 20 two years before, the Celtic star was at the outset of his international career when he played in this epic World Cup qualifier. He would enjoy many more memorable moments with his country. Played in all three games at the Finals in West Germany. Also played in Argentina in 1978 and Spain in 1982. Helped his country beat Australia to qualify for the Finals in Mexico in 1986. Forced to withdraw from the squad for the Finals due to injury. Won the last of his record 102 caps against Luxembourg at Hampden later that year. Called time on his remarkable trophy-laden career with Liverpool the following year aged 36. Thereafter enjoyed varying degrees of success in management with Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United and Celtic. Now has various business interests. Promotes the grass roots game as head of Scottish football for McDonald's. Actively involved in charity fund-raising for the Marina Dalglish Appeal.
ALLY HUNTER
The Celtic goalkeeper was a relieved man after this nail-biting 2-1 victory. He had gifted the visitors the lead when he failed to get to grips with a speculative Nehoda shot-cum- cross. It was the former Kilmarnock player's fourth and final cap. David Harvey of Leeds United took over in goals in the Finals. Hunter went on to play for Motherwell and St Mirren before retiring in 1979. Now a director with JH Horn Plumbers and Hugh Scott Builders in Glasgow. Also a stalwart of the Dukla Pumpherston charity side.
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