Scotland and World Cup glory do NOT usually go together, but Archie Gemmill changed that for three magical minutes in Argentina 1978! The little Scottish midfielder weaved past THREE Dutch defenders in the penalty area — including the great Jan Poortvliet — before chipping the ball over goalkeeper Jan Jongbloed. It was the greatest goal Scotland has EVER scored, and the Tartan Army have been talking about it for nearly FIFTY years!
Country: Scotland Opponent: Netherlands Year: 1978 Round: Group Stage Score: Scotland 3-2 Netherlands Minute: 68'
The Moment
- Gemmill dribbled past three Dutch defenders in a tight space inside the penalty area
- He finished with a delicate chip over goalkeeper Jan Jongbloed
- The goal put Scotland 3-1 up against the 1974 World Cup finalists
- Netherlands scored immediately after to make it 3-2, and Scotland were eliminated on goal difference
- The goal is so iconic in Scotland that it was recreated in the film 'Trainspotting'
The Verdict
Gemmill's goal was the single greatest moment in Scottish football history — and also the cruelest, because it meant absolutely nothing in the end as Scotland were still eliminated on goal difference. But the sheer beauty of the goal lives on forever, immortalized in film and burned into the hearts of every Scottish fan alive!
Tomorrow: #25 — Stay tuned for the next legendary goal!
