World Cup moments: Scotland's three minute euphoria

Having failed to qualify for the 2018 edition of the World Cup, this summer will mark 20 years since the Scots last flew their flag on football's biggest stage. Another 20 years before that, Archie Gemmill sent his country into a frenzy. 

Prior to the competition in 1978, manager MacLeod was asked what he planned to do after the World Cup. His answer was bold but unequivocal: "Retain it."

Nevertheless, Scotland's campaign was a slow burner. After a disappointing 3-1 loss to Peru and a bleak 1-1 draw with Iran, the Tartan Army found themselves faced with the challenge of having to trounce the 1974 runners-up, Holland, by three goals to advance.  

34 minutes into the tie, hopes began to dissipate when Rob Resenbrink converted from the penalty spot to give the Oranje the lead. Instead of rolling over, MacLeod’s men showed great resilience, and with goals either side of half-time courtesy of Kenny Dalglish and Gemmill the game was back on. At 2-1, the Scots were an attainable two goals away from the knockout stages.

With 68 minutes on the clock, Dalglish was clattered on the edge of the box. The ball fell to Gemmill, who would pull off the most important six-touch sequence of his career.

With his control, the legendary No. 15 skipped over a reckless Dutch tackle. Continuing his momentum, he ghosted past a defender before audaciously popping the ball through the legs of another. Picking it up on the other side, Gemmill used his fifth touch to shift the ball onto his left before coolly slotting past Jan Jongbloed who had come charging out from between the sticks.

From the Estadio Mendoza emanated a roar so loud it could be heard back home in Scotland. Gemmill celebrated as was customary in pre-21st century football - a joyous fist in the air accompanied by a dash back to the centre-circle.

Unfortunately for the Scots, their moment of hopeful euphoria was immediately followed by disillusionment. With the scoreboard reading ‘3-1,’ the next goal was crucial… And it fell to the Netherlands just three minutes later. 30 yards from goal, Johnny Rep closed his eyes, steadied himself, and leathered a strike into the top corner that turned the grins of the Scottish fans upside down.

The game finished 3-2 in what was a historic win for the Tartan Army. Two goals short however, they saw themselves forced to catch an early flight home from Argentina.

Danny Boyle paid tribute to Gemmill’s goal 18 years later in Trainspotting, a cult film that's become somewhat synonymous with Scotland. In one of many iconic scenes, Renton passionately declares to his new lover: “I haven’t felt that good since Archie Gemmill scored against Holland in 1978.”

Nowadays, the Scots may not have the footballing prowess they had in the past, but they’ll always treasure the memory of ‘that’ awe-inspiring solo goal.