42 YEARS AGO THIS week

A look back at how The Sunday Post reported the world through the years. This week, June 11, 1978. Scotland’s footballing dreams are shattered in Argentina, but one young fan finds the perfect cure to his heartache

Having a chance to get knocked out of a major football competition would be welcome relief for the modern Scotland supporter.

So it is interesting to see how high expectations were going into the World Cup in Argentina in 1978.

“Ally Macleod will travel back to Scotland with his shattered side to face the music,” reported The Post. “They’ll touch down at Prestwick Airport on Thursday afternoon.

Rumour swept through the Scots training camp yesterday that the Scotland boss had arranged to meet his wife, Faye, in France, go straight off on holiday and slip back into the country when the heat has gone out of the situation. This is completely untrue.

“Ally will arrive home with his Scottish-based players, providing his team doesn’t confound the experts and beat Holland 3-0 this afternoon!”

As we know, Scotland

managed a remarkable victory over the Dutch. But, despite a stunning Archie Gemmell goal that lives long in the memory, the 3-2 scoreline wasn’t enough.

“‘I know the whole of Scotland is upset with our performances in the World Cup and feel they’ve been let down badly,’ Ally said.

“‘The fans will be angry. I expect them to be angry, but I’ve never walked away from a confrontation in my life. Faye will be at Prestwick to meet me.’”