JOHN McGARRY: Scotland have a golden chance to FINALLY end torment of 'glorious failure' Scotland have been to 11 major tournaments without reaching the second stage Victory over Hungary on Sunday night could end that horror run for Scots By John Mcgarry For The Scottish Daily Mail Published: 19:34, 21 June 2024 | Updated: 19:34, 21 June 2024 e-mail View comments No one is quite certain when the term glorious failure became part of the lexicon of Scottish football. An educated guess would be that the phrase was first uttered 50 years ago today in the Waldstadion in Frankfurt. Scotland’s first World Cup campaign in 16 years pitted us with Zaire, Brazil and Yugoslavia.
An opening 2-0 win over the African nation in Dortmund seemed acceptable at the time. Less so when the Yugoslavs put nine past them. Facing the reigning world champions in the second game, Willie Ormond’s team fashioned the better chances.
Billy Bremner can't believe it as his effort goes wide in the draw against Brazil in 1974 Lou Macari can't hide his dejection after Scotland's damaging 1-1 draw with Iran in 1978 Joe Jordan’s header was saved by keeper Leao, rebounded, struck Billy Bremner’s shin and squirmed inches past the post. Close but no cigar. Four days later in the same venue, Scotland faced a win-or-bust scenario against Yugoslavia.
After Stanislav Karasi netted, Jordan’s late leveller offered hope of avoiding elimination but again it was not to be. Scotland returned home with their heads hel.
