FIFA World Cup 1978 Group 4

fifa world cup 1978 poster Scotland arrived in Argentina with a talented team boosted by a surge of national pride. Their manager, Ally MacLeod had boasted that they were going to win the World Cup and tens of thousands of supporters had seen the team off in a farewell parade at Hampden Park. The team fell well short, however, and their humiliation was compounded when Willie Johnstone failed a drug test and was sent home in disgrace.

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Peru

Scotland

Peru 3 Scotland 1

Estadio Chateau Carreras, Córdoba (37,927)
3 June 1978

The Scottish media had dismissed Peru as a team of has-beens that would be brushed aside by Ally MacLeod's world champions elect. When Joe Jordan scored in the 14th minute everything seemed to be going to plan. Cueto's 43rd minute equaliser was a mere set back. In the second half, however, Peru outclassed Scotland and their veteran of the 1970 World Cup, Cubillas scored twice in the 70th and 76th minutes to overturn Scotland.

(Stewart Brown)

Netherlands

Iran

Netherlands 3 Iran 0

Estadio Ciudad de Mendoza, Mendoza (33,431)
3 June 1978

The exponents of Total Football made no mistakes in disposing of Iran, who were making their first appearance in the World Cup finals.

The van der Kerkhof twins, Rene and Willy, followed Johan Cruyff's example from the previous World Cup and refused to wear the three-stripe adidas kit, insisting that they be issued with two-stripe versions.

(Jon Jones, André Silva)

Scotland

Iran

Scotland 1 Iran 1

Estadio Chateau Carreras, Córdoba (7,938)
7 June 1978

Only a resounding victory would do for the discouraged Tartan Army but Scotland struggled miserably and were fortunate to be ahead at half-time after Eskandarian scored an own goal. Danaeifird equalised for Iran on the hour.

(Jon Jones)

Netherlands

Peru

Netherlands 0 Peru 0

Estadio Ciudad de Mendoza, Mendoza (28,125)
7 June 1978

The failure of the Dutch to beat Peru gave Scotland at least a mathematical chance of redeeming themselves but was also testament to the quality of the South American team.

(Stewart Brown)

Peru

Iran

Peru 4 Iran 1

Estadio Chateau Carreras, Córdoba (21,262)
11 June 1978

Peru secured first place in the group with a comprehensive win. Cubillas scored two.

(Jon Jones, Stewart Brown)

Scotland

Netherlands

Scotland 3 Netherlands 2

Estadio Ciudad de Mendoza, Mendoza (35,130)
11 June 1978

Scotland finally showed the grit and application that had been lacking in their previous games with a magnificent win. Rensenbrink put the Dutch ahead from a penalty (34 mins) but Dalglish and Gemmill (penalty 64 mins) put Scotland ahead. Gemmill scored again in the 68th minute but any possibility of overturning the Netherlands' superior goal difference was wiped out when Johnny Rep made it 3-2 three minutes later.