When Scotland's football (soccer) team qualified for the 1978 World Cup in Argentina (and England didn't), probably the biggest mistake manager Ally McLeod made was to talk up the chances of Scotland not only dong well, but maybe even winning the championship. The song below (there are many versions), belted out at the time, epitomises that starry-eyed view. A recording of the song by comedian Andy Cameron even made it to the Pop charts. Many of Scotland's Tartan Army of football fans even half-believed the optimism - until it all ended in tears and Scotland did not even proceed beyond the first round. The picture of McLeod, head buried in his hands, summed it all up!
We're on the march wi' Ally's Army. We're going tae the Argentine, And we'll really shake them up When we win the World Cup, 'Cos Scotland is the greatest football team.
We're representing Britain, And we're gaunny do or die, England cannae dae it, 'Cos they didnae qualify!
We're on the march wi' Ally's Army, We're going tae the Argentine, And we'll really shake them up, When we win the World Cup, 'Cos Scotland is the greatest football team.