Scotland Hampden Glory Nights

1973 Tommy Hutchison and Billy Bremner celebrate Joe Jordan’s header against the Czechs

On the 26th September 1973 Scotland faced Czechoslovakia at Hampden. They knew that a victory would send the Scots to their first World Cup Finals since 1958. As 100,000 fans crammed into Hampden the nation held it’s breath. Even Coronation Street was switched from it’s scheduled slot on the telly until after match. It looked like another sob story was about to unfold when goalkeeper Ally Hunter let an angled shot from Zdenek Nehoda slip through his fingers and the Czechs lead at half time.

In the second half centre half Jim Holton rose to equalise with a towering header and Scotland were back in the game but they still needed another goal. Manager Willie Ormond sent on 21 year old Leeds United striker Joe Jordan to replace Kenny Dalglish. He wore no.16 on his back and with 15 minutes left came his big moment. Billy Bremner hit the post with a shot that rolled along the goal line before being cleared to Willie Morgan on the right. The Manchester United winger crossed the ball into the box and Jordan threw himself at the ball to head home. Hampden roared it’s approval and Scotland held on for a famous 2-1 victory.

Years later Jordan would recall: “It’s a goal I still remember with as much fondness as any other I scored in my career because of what it meant. “There was a feeling of real satisfaction that after so many years of disappointment, we’d done it against a very good team”. Scotland were on their way to West Germany and the 1974 World Cup would be the last chance for players like Denis Law and Billy Bremner to shine on the World stage. Scotland would enhance their reputation in the Finals beating Zaire 2-0, drawing 0-0 with holders Brazil and drawing 1-1 against a skilful Yugoslavia team. Scotland would become the first team to be eliminated from the World Cup undefeated. Joe Jordan scored two goals with his Leeds team mate Peter Lorimer also netting against Zaire.

1977 Kenny Dalglish heads home against Czechoslovakia at Hampden

On September 21st 1977 Scotland faced European Champions Czechoslovakia at Hampden. As 85,000 fans packed into the ground manager Ally McLeod promised the Tartan Army a night to remember. Andy Gray and Czech Captain Anton Ondrus had been sent off in the Cezchs 2-0 win in Prague the year before and both men were suspended for the must win game. Scotland’s midfield of Rioch, Hartford and Don Masson dominated the first half. In the 18th minute Joe Jordan headed home Willie Johnston’s corner. On 35 minutes Czech keeper Michalik dropped the ball under challenge from Jordan and Asa Hartford rolled the ball into the net. Early in the second half Jardine’s header from a corner was flicked in by Kenny Dalglish to give Scotland a 3-0 lead. The Cezchs pulled a goal back but Scotland secured a vital 3-1 victory. The win meant that Czechoslovakia the reigning European Champions failed to qualify for the World Cup. In October Scotland defeated Wales 2-0 at Anfield thanks to a controversial penalty and a Kenny Dalglish header to qualify for the 1978 World Cup in Argentina.

1981 Joe Jordan celebrates scoring against Sweden at Hampden

In September 1981 Scotland were aiming to qualify for their third World Cup in a row. In a tough group with Portugal, Sweden, Northern Ireland and Israel the Scots were in pole position as they faced the Swedes. Scotland had won the reverse fixture 1-0 in Stockholm the year before thanks to Gordon Strachan’s goal. Scotland made a bright start and Joe Jordan headed home John Robertson’s freekick on 20 minutes. In the second half the Scots found it hard to break down the Scandinavians with Tomas Ravelli keeping them at bay with some fine saves. With 10 minutes left substitute Andy Gray won a penalty after being tripped in the box. John Robertson coolly slotted home the penalty to give Scotland a 2-0 win. In October Scotland drew 0-0 in Belfast to qualify for the 1982 World Cup top of their group ahead of Northern Ireland who also qualified.

1984 Kenny Dalglish celebrates scoring against Spain at Hampden

On the 14th November 1984 Scotland faced Spain in a vital World Cup qualifier at Hampden. Scotland were in a section with Iceland and Wales too and the Scots had beaten Iceland 3-0 the previous month thanks to two great Paul McStay goals and a Charlie Nicholas header. Jock Stein’s men knew that their toughest test would come against the Euro 1984 runners up. With 74,000 fans roaring them on Scotland started confidently. Captain Graeme Souness was dominating the midfield and on 33 minutes they took the lead after Mo Johnston followed in from Steve Nicol’s shot to head home. Just before half time a fine Jim Bett run and cross was headed home by Mo Johnston to give Scotland a 2-0 lead at the break. In the second half Spain came more into the game and they pulled a goal back after Leighton failed to come for a freekick allowing Goikoetxea to head home. On 71 minutes Kenny Dalglish latched onto Davie Cooper’s flick to fire a brilliant curling shot into the top corner. It was the Liverpool man’s 30th goal for Scotland equalling Denis Law’s scoring record. Scotland then saw the game out comfortably to record a memorable 3-1 victory.

However a 1-0 defeat in Spain was followed by a 1-0 defeat at home to Wales and the Scots travelled to Cardiff in September 1985 knowing that a draw would send them into a World Cup Play Off. A late Davie Cooper penalty gave Scotland a point in a 1-1 draw, but tragically manager Jock Stein collapsed and died after the final whistle. His assistant Alex Ferguson guided Scotland to the 1986 World Cup after defeating Australia 2-0 on aggregate, as the Scots qualified for their fourth World Cup in a row.

1989 Mo Johnston fires Scotland ahead against France at Hampden

On the 8th March 1989 Scotland faced France at Hampden. Michel Platini’s team had finished third in the 1986 World Cup and with players like star striker Jean Pierre Papin they would provide a formidable test for Andy Roxburgh’s men. Scotland had made a fine start to their campaign winning 2-1 in Oslo and drawing with Yugoslavia. The Scots arrived at Hampden just one hour before kick off after their coach was caught in traffic. With 65,000 fans roaring them on Scotland took the game to their opponents and it was a familiar face that gave the Scots the lead. Mo Johnston was playing for Nantes at the time and he fired the Scots ahead following a scramble in the box after 28 minutes. With Paul McStay having one of his finest games for Scotland and new cap Gary Gillespie looking assured at the back Scotland continued to push forward. In the second half Jim Leighton made two great saves to preserve the lead before Mo Johnston followed home Steve Nicol’s cross to give Scotland a famous 2-0 win at a rain soaked Hampden. Yugoslavia won the group and Scotland qualified for the 1990 World Cup in Italy, their fifth World Cup in a row one point ahead of France.