World Cup 2026: Why Scotland must not be haunted by memories of 1978
Scotland are underdogs in 2026 World Cup but, sometimes, underdogs win
Across Scotland, people are going about their everyday lives with an extra spring in their step. For many, the usual reply to “hi, how are you” of “not too bad, thanks” has been replaced by “feeling great” or even “living the dream!”
After decades of disappointment, Scotland’s men are going to the football World Cup! It is an achievement in which we can bask for months to come. The thrilling 4-2 victory over Denmark produced three Scottish wonder goals as manager Steve Clarke, captain Andy Robertson and co wrote themselves into the history books. This truly is a special team.
Infamously, in 1978, fans mentally crowned Scotland world champions before a ball had been kicked and the team’s swift exit was punishment for our hubris.
However, we should not now adopt the opposite approach of completely ruling out victory. Shock results are part of football. In 1992, Denmark won the Euros despite failing to qualify (Yugoslavia had dropped out).
Scotland are definitely underdogs, but we will play in the World Cup and, with wonder goals like those on Tuesday night in our locker, anything can happen.
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