Scotland have waited almost three decades for a chance to play at the World Cup, but Steve Clarke’s side finally has the chance to end their exile from the tournament in this week’s final qualification games against Greece and Denmark.
Level on points with Denmark at the top of Group C, the national team can secure an automatic path to the next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada if they can secure at least a draw against Greece, before beating the Danes next Tuesday at Hampden Park.
The last time Scotland sealed qualification to the World Cup came way back on 11 October 1997. Led by the late, great Craig Brown, the national team beat Latvia 2-0 at Celtic Park to nab a place in one of the two automatic qualifying spots ahead of Sweden, thanks to strikes from Kevin Gallacher and Gordon Durie.
But what happened to the Scotland starting XI from the last time Scotland qualified for the World Cup back in 1997?
5. Christian Dailly
Dailly enjoyed a strong bond with the Tartan Army and was highly respected amongst the Scotland fanbase, who enjoyed chanting his name from the Hampden Park stands. Capped 67 times by the national team, he was a versatile option who rarely let Scotland down. A cult hero at West Ham United, he represented Rangers, Charlton Athletic, Portsmouth, and Southend United before retiring in 2012. Now working as a sports science, nutrition, and health consultant, he created a company called Zone 1 Health to educate the public on healthy living following retirement, and has worked with Team GB representatives. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group Alan Harvey
6. Craig Burley
His strike against Norway in the 1-1 draw back in 1998 remains Scotland's last World Cup goal. After retiring in 2004, following spells with Celtic, Derby County, Dundee, Preston North End, and Walsall, he moved into media work. Since then, he has become a successful co-commentator and pundit on ESPN. | Ian Rutherford Photo: Ian Rutherford
7. Paul Lambert
A classy presence in the middle for Scotland, he won the Champions League with Borussia Dortmund in 1997. He moved to Celtic a year later, where he lifted four Scottish titles before retiring in 2006. Shortly after retiring, Lambert began his managerial career, finding early success by winning EFL League One with Norwich City in 2010 and leading the Canaries to back-to-back promotions, finishing second upon their return to the English second tier. He later managed Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers, though his last managerial role was with Ipswich Town almost five years ago. In January, Lambert re-joined Borussia Dortmund, this time working as Technical Director of Southeast Asia. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group 0141 221 3602
8. Gary McAllister
Capped 57 times by Scotland, the midfield technician only got better with age, helping Liverpool win the UEFA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup in 2001 after moving from Coventry City. He returned to the Sky Blues in 2002, before ending his career two years later. Since ending his playing career, McAllister has become a successful coach, helping Rangers win the Scottish Premiership in 2021 as first team coach under Steven Gerrard. He left alongside his ex-Anfield teammate following his appointment at Aston Villa, but departed when he was sacked a year latrt in 2022. Since then, McAllister has not been involved in coaching. | Shaun Botterill Photo: Shaun Botterill