THE RED STRIPE

Argentina. Cordoba. Saturday 3rd June 1978.
Long after the final whistle had blown on Scotland's, calamitous opening match of their 1978 World Cup campaign against Peru, a lone tearful piper remained behind on the terraces to lament his country's demise. The haunting, swirling melody in sad, mournful echoes swept across the empty stadium. Dragged along on a tidal wave of hype, delusion and of self-grandeur, the Tartan Army had travelled to Argentina chasing footballing immortality. What they were to actually experience was a journey into footballing hell. Their leader Ally Macleod had publicly declared: ''Scotland will win the World Cup!'' From South of the border down England's way, there came howls and gales of laughter. Laced with jealousy and mocking envy, the Fleet Street press couldn't believe their luck for Ally proved beautiful copy for the hacks. ''When we win the World Cup on 25th June, it should be made a national Ally day!'' Such comments only confirmed for many that something strange appeared to be occurring beyond Hadrian's Wall. A timely reminder this was why it got built in the first place. Lingering in the far Northern Scottish skies you could hear the rich, gravelly voice of Rod Stewart bursting into song! They were drinking from the well of Ally Macleod. Immortality did indeed beckon for Ally's Army, sadly though not in the manner they had dreamed off. For the glorious Peruvians with the dashing red stripe emblazoned across their chests. The great Teofilo Cubillas, Oblitas, Munante and all were set to hand the Scots an unforgettable dose of footballing reality.
All together now: ''Ole ola!''