Scotland's 1974 World Cup adventure in West Germany remains one of football's great what-if stories. The team's preparations included a bizarre incident in Largs where Jimmy Johnstone commandeered a rowing boat without oars, requiring coastguard rescue after teammates' rescue attempt failed due to a hole in their borrowed vessel.

The campaign opened with a 2-0 victory over Zaire through goals from Joe Jordan and Peter Lorimer, though Jordan later admitted they took their foot off the gas despite being favorites. A creditable 0-0 draw with Brazil followed, with Jordan's header saved by Leao before hitting Billy Bremner's shin and rolling wide.

Scotland's fate sealed in their final group match against Yugoslavia. Jordan's late equaliser secured a 1-1 draw, but Brazil's 3-0 win over Zaire eliminated the Scots on goal difference. Despite going unbeaten through three matches and conceding just one goal, they became the only team eliminated while undefeated.

The 1974 squad featured legends like Kenny Dalglish and Billy Bremner, yet Johnstone never played despite his pre-tournament exploits. Brazil and Yugoslavia advanced only to exit in the second group stage, leaving Scotland's unbeaten run as a unique footnote in World Cup history.