The post-season tournament involved Bulgaria with the host nation Japan and was played ahead of the 2006 World Cup – but Scotland’s squad didn’t include several players still involved in the Scottish Cup and FA Cup.
Instead some new national heroes were formed as Scotland saw two scoring debuts and some silverware come home from the land of the rising sun.
Here’s a look at the victorious squad, and where they are now.
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13. Ian Murray
Rangers utility man moved into management after time at Norwich City. Player-coach role at Dumbarton was successful but move to full-time St Mirren was not. Now manager of Airdrie on the brink of play-off promotion success. Photo: SNS Group Alan Harvey
14. Gary Teale
Then of Wigan, Teale moved back to Scotland with St Mirren and became manager at the Buddies for a short-term but was replaced in Paisley by his squad-mate in Japan Ian Murray. Photo: SNS Group Alan Harvey
15. James McFadden
Scored the middle goal of the 5-1 drubbing of Bulgaria. After several stints with Motherwell and rounding off career at QOS and St Johnstone moed into coaching with Alex McLeish's Scotland regime and now a Sky Sports and BBC pundit. (Photo by Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Images) Photo: Koichi Kamoshida
16. Lee Miller
Striker was a call-up for his namesake Kenny who was injured at Wolved. Miller, then of Aberdeen moved around several clubs before returning to first team Falkirk where he shared management duties with David McCracken and continued playing until the pair's departure in April this year. Photo: SNS Group Alan Harvey