
'78
How a Nation Lost the World Cup
Graham McColl(Author)
Headline Book Publishing
Published on 24. April 2006
Book
Hardback
288 pages
978-0-7553-1409-6 (ISBN)
Description
Against the backdrop of nationalism, devolution and North Sea oil, Scotland were the only British team to qualify for the 1978 World Cup, and set off with genuine hopes of returning champions. But it all went horribly wrong. Beaten by Peru, a country few could point to on a map, and drawing with Iran, Scotland faced Holland, needing to win by three goals. Incredibly, the Scots conjured up one of the greatest goals in World Cup history to give themselves a chance!but it wasn't to be. Throughout this entertaining account, the cast of characters stands out: manager Ally McLeod, more a friendly uncle than world-class strategist; the monstrously permed, part-time goalkeeper Alan Rough; and wide-boy Willie Johnstone, sent home after failing a drugs test. Yet despite the resounding failure and humiliation, Argentina '78 is still viewed with great affection. Perhaps for the last time, Scotland had a world-class team and after all, if you end up beating the runners-up, doesn't that mean you are the winners?
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Headline Publishing Group
Illustrations
8pp colour photos
Dimensions
Height: 24 mm
Width: 161 mm
Thickness: 240 mm
Weight
578 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7553-1409-6 (9780755314096)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
A freelance writer - and long-time follower of Scotland - Graham McColl contributes regularly to THE TIMES, FOURFOURTWO and WHEN SATURDAY COMES. His many books include THE ESSENTIAL HISTORY OF CELTIC, UNITED WE STAND and CELTIC IN EUROPE. He also worked with Tommy Gemmell on his autobiography.