This was the game that Scotland qualified for the 1974 World Cup finals in West Germany. I was there!
https://youtu.be/OyQUI79WSW4
It was a typically dark, misty, dreach autumn evening in Glasgow and I was right at the very front of the standing terraces behind the goal. No seats in those days and other facilities such as the bathrooms were, lets say, primitive. Scotland had to win to qualify but disaster struck when the Czechs scored. 100,000 people were there but an eerie silence hung over the great Hampden Stadium. Just before half time big Jim Holton, Manchester United\’s center half rose to meet a header and Scotland were level. (“Six foot two eyes of blue, big Jim Holten\’s after you, na na na na na na na na na\” – to the tune of Colonel Bogey.) The second half was a tense affair. We still needed a goal to qualify for the first time since 1958. The crowd literally swept the players along until, on the 75th minute Joe Jordan, Manchester United\’s center forward, flung himself at Willie Morgan\’s, Manchester United\’s right wing, cross. (d\’ya wonder why I support United?). Had the net not been there the ball would have landed at my feet I was so close!
The place erupted, the Hampden Roar was heard miles away and I saw grown men weep! This was the moment I realized the power, the pride and the passion of the World Cup. 40 years later, albeit in the absence of my beloved Scotland, I get to complete the experience started that autumn night in Glasgow.
What! Scotland Qualified!!! 