Scotland appointed Ally MacLeod as manager in 1977 with qualification for the 1978 World Cup in Argentina far from assured. MacLeod made a strong start and won the 1977 British Home Championship, beating England at Wembley Stadium. after the match Scotland fans infamously invaded the pitch, ripping up the turf and breaking a crossbar. Scotland continued to play impressively under MacLeod and the team secured qualification for the World Cup with victories over Czechoslovakia and Wales.
During the build-up to the World Cup, MacLeod fuelled the hopes of the nation by stating that Scotland would come home with a medal. As the squad left for the finals in Argentina, they were given an enthusiastic send off as they were paraded around a packed Hampden Park. Thousands more fans lined the route to Prestwick Airport as the team set off for South America. Scotland started their World Cup campaign against Peru and Iran. Despite taking the lead in both games, Scotland won neither; the group stage encounters ended in defeat against Peru and in a draw against Iran. The disconsolate mood of the nation was reflected by footage of Ally MacLeod in the dugout with his head in his hands. After taking a single point from their opening two games, Scotland had to defeat one of the tournament favourites, the Netherlands, by three clear goals to progress. Despite the Dutch taking the lead, Scotland fought back to win 3–2 with goals from Kenny Dalglish and a double from Archie Gemmill, the second of which is one of the most celebrated goals in Scotland's history; Gemmill beat three Dutch defenders before lifting the ball over goalkeeper Jan Jongbloed. The victory was not sufficient to secure a place in the second round, and Scotland were eliminated on goal difference for the second successive World Cup. MacLeod resigned as manager shorty after the tournament. Jock Stein was appointed as his replacement.
No. 8, shirt issued to forward Kenny Dalglish (Liverpool FC, England)
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