The True Story of a Footballing Legend.

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Yay \o/

[Peacemaker7]

The move back to Scotland of course was not without it's price. Derek was happy at Arsenal and so one daughter would be left behind once more. Alyson's mother though needed her family, and that was deemed more important although in the end she would die come September, but if truth the family had not overly enjoyed their time in London anyway and would have moved away sooner rather than later.

As Duncan MacLeod arrived to take over the failing national team, Scotland's fortunes which had a few years ago looked bright enough, had dimmed somewhat and the blame had been firmly laid the feet of the previous two managers whom it was felt had not used the players to the best of their abilities. There has also been a lot of bad luck as well for the Scots.

The 2012 European Championships, which would be played in the summer of MacLeod's arrival at Hampden, Scotland had failed to reach after losing out narrowly in a play with Turkey. A group consisting of Italy, Poland, Iceland and Kazakhstan had see the Scots end in the expected second place behind the Italians, and for Euro 2008 the Scots had also ended just behind the Italians and the French.

Qualifying for the 2010 World Cup though had been a literal disaster. Drawn in a group with Slovenia, Denmark, Holland, Macedonia and Malta the Scots had been confident, but would eventually end in fourth place after one of their worst ever qualifying campaigns.

MacLeod decided that a new broom should sweep clean, and promptly sacked all the Scotland backroom staff whom he said had been there far too long and had clearly become stale. Maurice Malpas though was retained as the U-21 coach, having guided the Scotland U-21 side to victory in the 2011 Euro U-21 Finals, a 2-0 Final win over Portugal. Scotland had also secured the Euro U-21 title in 2009, having been runners up to France in 2007. The 2010 U-19 Euro Championships had also been claimed by Scotland, although the 2011 campaign had failed to bring success.

MacLeod filled the Scotland ranks with people he knew and trusted. Alan Robertson, Willie Pettigrew and John Park had served under MacLeod at either Kilmarnock, Arsenal or indeed both clubs. Stuart MacLean had been brought in as Assistant Manager and the only real shock appointment was unknown rookie Iain Bartholomew who became the U-19 boss.

Indeed, the U-19 tournament Finals would take place shortly after MacLeod's arrival and once more Scotland showed that they have an abundance of young quality players, beating England 2-1 in the Semi Finals, before overpowering Portugal 7-0 in the Final. MacLeod believed there was simply not excuse for the consistent Scottish failure at full level and with the draw for the 2014 Qualifying tournament putting his side into group 1 along with Norway, Croatia, Portugal, Macedonia, Andorra and Liechtenstein, he fully expected his side to reach the Finals for the first time since 1998.

MacLeod's first squad reflected the success of the younger sides and with an opening two matches against the groups minnows, a perfect opportunity to get off and running.

[Peacemaker7]

Ray Marr had some through the youth ranks at Kilmarnock and despite still only being twenty one, he had been impressive in his spell at Arsenal and MacLeod had no hesitation in naming the youngster as his number once choice. He has one cap to his name before this qualifying gets underway, gained in a 3-2 loss in Iceland last year. Craig Gordon, now 29 and plying his trade at Lazio offers a substantial back up having won 42 caps to date, whilst Blackburn's 21 year old Paul Lee is third choice. Lee is a decent prospect but it yet to gain his first full cap.

Alan Hutton, who for some inexplicable reason has found himself in the international wilderness recently, is returned to the fold. The 27 year old Charlton right back has only six full caps to his name, but is certain to be MacLeod's first choice. Blackburn teenager Marc Lennon, still only nineteen years of age, is the back up. Lennon has not been capped yet at full level but he looks a sure bet for the future.

Mark Brunton is another of the Kilmarnock youth products who followed MacLeod to Arsenal. An extremely accomplished left back, Brunton already has ten full caps to his name, even though he is still only 20 years old. Wigan's Steven Smith, who at 27 is still looking for his first Scotland cap is clearly a player MacLeod rates as he will be back up left back.

The central defense will comprise of nineteen year old Ross Creelie of Wigan and twenty year old Charlton player Graeme MacKay who also played under MacLeod at Kilmarnock. Creelie is so far uncapped, whilst MacKay has played just the once for his country. Scott Cuthbert was another who played for a short time under MacLeod at Kilmarnock. The 25 year old former Celtic player now plays for Leicester and has six full caps to his name. Twenty three year old Arsenal player Alex Pearce and also 23 year old Chris Smith who plays for Reading, make up the rest of the defence.

Steven Naismith now 25 and having won twenty eight full caps, will occupy the right wing role. Naismith of course left Kilmarnock upon MacLeod's arrival as he went to Rangers, but later was brought back to Rugby Park by the now Scotland boss and followed MacLeod to Arsenal where he was mainly a fringe player. Chris Burke now 28 and playing for Kilmarnock, plays back up to Naismith.

Shaun Maloney will play on the left wing, having spent most of his time at Arsenal on the right. With 26 caps, the twenty nine year old is highly experienced and still has lots to offer. Another 29 year old, Brighton's James McFadden, holder of 46 Scotland caps provides back up, whilst 20 year old Wigan winger Andrew Campbell is also in the squad.

Arsenal's Kevin Thomson, now 27 and Darren Fletcher now 28 and playing with Manchester City should form a decent central midfield partnership. Thomson, who was on the fringes at Arsenal by the end of MacLeod's time there, has ten caps whilst Fletcher will gain his 50th in the opening qualifier. West Ham club mates Gavin MacRae, who is 20 and Stuart Millar 19, provide the back up. They are both promising players.

Derek Meechan will be his father in laws main man up front as the Arsenal striker attempts to add to his 8 Scotland caps and nine goals. Celtic's highly promising 20 year old striker Rab Sinclair is likely to partner Meechan and will gain his first full cap in doing so. Birmingham's Garry O'Connor, now 29, adds a bit of experience to the striking pool, whilst 23 year old David Goodwillie who plays in Belgium with Cercle Brugge and 24 year old Burnley forward David Gormley complete an overall young, but highly exciting looking squad.

[Peacemaker7]

The visit of Liechtenstein was hardly the most highly anticipated match in Scottish footballing history, yet the fans were eager to see what the new manager could do. With two U-21 and and U-19 Championships in recent times, it appeared that Scotland were not showing their full potential at full international level. Surely Duncan MacLeod, who had been a hero as a player and clearly had the Midas touch as a manager, would change all that.

No-one really expect Liechtenstein to cause MacLeod's side many problems and indeed they failed to cause any. The match was only two minutes old when Ross Creelie headed home from a corner, and three minutes later Rab Sinclair added a second. There would be no shocks here and when Derek Meechan added a third on just eight minutes the Tartan Army prepared for a goal feast. Kevin Tnomson added a fourth on 11, three minutes later Sinclair bagged his second and Liechtenstein were begining to wish they hadn't bothered turning up. Darren Fletcher got in on the act on the 19th minute, and then Graeme MacKay added a 7th for Scotland - only 22 minutes had passed.

The Tartan Army were in full voice by now, lapping up this incredible goal feast and demanding their heroes deliver them ten goals before half time - which they duly did. Kevin Thomson added the 8th on the half hour, Rab Sinclair completed his hattrick seven minutes later and Steven Naismith made it ten right on the half time whistle. It was an incredible first half performance from the Scots, even if the standard of opposition was very poor. Rab Sinclair made it eleven nil a minute after the break and the Scots just toyed around and the amazing thing was that there was no further scoring.

The trip to Andorra then was made in high spirits, and although another double figure result was not really expected, nevertheless a commanding was. Rab Sinclair, who was really making his mark, opened the scoring on just four minutes but come half time that remained the only goal and this was simply not acceptable. Three minutes after the break Julio Fermin Cortada put the ball into his own net and then two late goals from Derek Meechan sealed an comfortable Scotland win. They would never have an easier back to back set of matches, that was for sure.

In October things would get a lot harder. Macedonia came to Hampden and then the Scots would be off to Croatia. Against Macedonia, the opening goal was slightly longer in coming, Derek Meechan the scorer after nineteen minutes. Rab Sinclair added a second on 27, and just after the hour Steven Naismith sealed and important win. The match in Croatia would MacLeod's toughest test to date with the National side, and so it proved as a solitary goal from Srdjan Lakic gave Croatia a win in a match that Scotland certainly deserved at least a draw in.

The final match of 2012 for Scotland saw unbeaten Norway come to Hampden and a win was a must. First half goals from Meechan and MacKay settled any nerves the Scots might have had, Meechan added a third on 53 minutes and in the third minute of injury time, Ross Creelie headed home the fourth and another good win was recorded. The first round of matches would not be complete until March, when Scotland would have a huge test of their potential against a Portugal side who were top of the group with five wins from five. Scotland were of course three points adrift, and a loss in Portugal might well be fatal.

[Peacemaker7]

The biggest test yet for MacLeod's fledgling Scotland side would come in Aveiro on the 23rd March. Whilst a loss away to the Portuguese would by no means end Scottish interest in the World Cup of 2014, it would certainly make things a whole lot tougher. There would be a lot more points to be won and lost for sure, but going six points adrift would be a deep psychological blow. The players knew this, and were well up for the match and just six minutes in Derek Meechan stunned the Portuguese crowd as he sent Scotland into the lead. The match never really exploded into the occasion that had been expected, but in the end that Meechan goal was enough to give Scotland a superb away win that puts them in pole position to qualify.

From Portugal the Scots travelled to Liechtenstein four days later. Little resistance was expected here, and little was given. Meechan fired in a hattrick, Sinclair, Brunton and Graeme MacKay were all on target and sometimes you have wonder what the point is in these smaller teams taking part in this competition. Two home matches for Scotland at the end of the 2012-2013 would see first Croatia and then Andorra come to Hampden. Nothing less than six points would do if the Scots dream was to stay on course.

Croatia had ground out a 1-0 home win over the Scots, but this time their luck was about to run out. It took only seventeen minutes for Meechan to send Scotland ahead, and two minutes from half time Darren Fletcher grabbed a valuable second. Seven minutes after half time Rab Sinclair made the match secure bit Scotland were not finished exacting revenge yet as Mark Brunton added a fourth just after the hour. Croatia were dead and buried, but twenty minutes from time Damir Ereiz gave them a minor consolation, before Darijo Srna put the ball into his own net, and Luka Modric was shown a second yellow card in the dying seconds.

Andorra should have been straightforward and the Tartan Army were out in force for an expected goal glut, but come half time a 20th minute strike from Meechan was all the Scots had to show as the visitors battled valiantly. With an hour gone, the match remained at 1-0 and the fans were getting restless before substitute Paul Roberts grabbed a debut goal, then Meechan added a third and slowly the Andorran's were crumling. Andrew Campbell added a fourth six minutes from the end and two minutes later Roberts completed the rout. It had been a barve performance from Andorra but in the end Scotland had proven just too good.

Away matches with Macedonia and Norway lay in store, before the final group match with Portugal, who sat three points adrift of Scotland with a match less played. The path to the 2014 World Cup Finals in Spain was still far from clear, but the Scots had to be confident that they could reach their first finals of the 21st century.

[Peacemaker7]

There was a real sense of anticipation and Scotland headed to Macedonia. The World Cup was withing touching distance for the first time in twenty years, and the Scots were looking too good now to blow it. Come half time, a brace from Meechan and another strike from the highly impressive Sinclair saw MacLeod's side head in with a three goal lead and the Tartan Army were really starting to believe that something special was in the air. Forty five minutes later that belief was ever so slightly dented as Macedonia had incredibly fought back to gain a draw and so very nearly ended up with a win.

Duncan MacLeod was furious after that capitulation, and he had even more reason to angry after Scotland went in 1-0 up at the break in Norway - only for that match too to end in a draw. Suddenly the whole Scots campaign was up in the air as Portugal led the group by a point going into the final match. Scotland would have to win at Hampden, but that was by no means a guarantee.

It was win or play offs for Scotland, and so even if they failed there was always the back door way in. Yet such had been the way Scotland started this group it would seem almost like a failure to throw it away now. The atmosphere was tense as Portugal arrived in Glasgow, and after an exciting first half Rab Sinclair set Hampden Park alight five minutes from the break. Ten minutes into the second half, a huge setback for Scotland as Alan Hutton picked up a second yellow card and it was back to the walls stuff now.

Portugal threw everything but the kitchen sink at the Scots defence but they held firm and the referee brought the final match of Group 1 to an end, Scotland were finally back in the Finals of the World Cup - which was exactly where they belonged. Once again, the Tartan Army would be marching with a MacLeod's army and hopefully this time, the outcome would be much more positive!

[Peacemaker7]

Scotland had not qualified for the Finals of the FIFA World Cup since 1998, and had not reached the Finals of the UEFA European Championships since 1996. These were startling facts for a nation that was utterly obssessed with the game of football. Yet that in itself did not really tell the whole story of Scottish international football in the last two decades or so.

Whilst it is true that the 2010 Qualifying tournament for the Scots was an unmitigated disaster - finish 4th in their six team group behind Slovenia, Denmark and Holland, there were also a lot of positives surrounding Scottish football. Duncan MacLeod had, of course, guided Kilmarnock to a UEFA Champions League win in recent seasons, whilst the U-21 and U-19 Scotland sides had lifted their own continental titles and it was really felt that all Scotland had lacked was someone to pull the whole thing together and deliver the goods that the undoubted talent demanded.

Reaching the 2014 FIFA World Cup Finals has been a dream come true for nation starved of any real success at international top level for nearly twenty years. There was therefore, much excitement when the FIFA bods gathered for the draw for those finals and Scotland were pulled out that against three teams who were no strangers to them on these occasions.

Uruguay were of course the team famously branded butchers after their shocking display against Scotland in the 1986 World Cup Finals - an occasion that had of course been Duncan MacLeod's first ever appearance at this event. That tournament of course was famous, not just for the emergence of the Scottish striking sensation but also for the fact that Scotland bounced all the way to the Semi-Final before bowing out to an extremely talented French side.

Denmark, by coincidence, had also been Scotland's group opponents in 1986 a young MacLeod coming off the bench to make his World Cup Finals debut - and bagging the crucial equalizer with just two minutes left to play. The Danes had reached these Finals by ending second behind Ireland in their group - and in the process eliminating the Germans.

The final team in the group would be Morocco - another side with a link that great Scots side of 1986. Scotland, thanks to a Duncan MacLeod hattrick, had seen off the North African nation by three goals to two in a quite fascinating last sixteen match. They were bound to be tough opponents again, and indeed this was not going to be an easy groups for the Scots on their return to the big time.

On the other hand, it was hardly going to be the toughest of groups either.

[sherm]

For some unknown reason, I've just come across this story. PM, this is brilliant. God knows how I missed it but I certainly shall be keeping my eye out now. Excellent stuff

[Peacemaker7]

The Scotland squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Finals largely picked itself, but there were still one or two surprises in MacLeod's final 23 man selection.

Ray Marr, at 23 years old, is now the definate number one in a Scotland jersey. Still at Arsenal, where he remains also first choice, Marr has fourteen caps to his name and is likely to go on and gain many, many more. Craig Gordon, who is still at Lazio and has 41 caps to his name, is still young by goalkeeping standards at 31 years of age but has been pushed down the pecking order by the young upstart Marr. Blackburn keeper Paul Lee is also 23 and has been playing very well for his club recently. Lee is still looking for his first full cap, but only disaster would seem him usurp the top two choices and he is really only along for the ride. Hopefully.

Alan Hutton (29) is still first choice at right back after winning back his place under MacLeod. His mere eighteen caps seems utterly ludicrous for such a talented player but all that will be forgotten by Hutton now that he has made it to these Finals. Hutton, who played in all twelve qualifying matches, will actually miss the opening match with Uruguay after being red carded in the Portugal game. That though opens up the way for 21 year old Blackburn right back Marc Lennon to make his international debut, and what a place to do it.

Mark Brunton (22) has moved to Roma from Arsenal and has equipped himself very well in the world toughest league. Brunton is close to being a world class full back, and will surely add a lot more to his current total of 23 caps. Back up Stevie Smith travels to Spain with still no full international caps and at 28 years old, this might even be his last chance to make an impact for his country.

Twenty one year old Ross Creelie, who has been on loan at Dunfermline from Wigan has formed an excellent partnership in the central of the Scottish defence with Charlton's Graeme MacKay, who is now twenty three years old. Both excellent defenders, Creelie and MacKay also pose a threat at set pieces. Alex Pearce (25) has moved to Rangers from Arsenal, whilst 27 year old Wigan centre back Mark Reynolds is one of the surprise inclusions in MacLeod's squad. Reyolds is uncapped, but does have the advantage of being left footed.

On the wings, experience abounds. Steven Naismith is still at Arsenal and at 27 yeard of age now had 36 full caps to his name. Shaun Maloney, also still at Arsenal, is at 31 years old one of the elder statesmen of the squad and has 39 full caps. Thirty year old Chris Burke remains at Kilmarnock and another 31 year old James McFadden of Brighton completes the wide men. McFadden now has 50 caps to his name and could well be a key figure in Spain, although MacLeod does tend to use his genius sparingly.

In the middle of the park, 30 year old Manchester City player Darren Fletcher is the most capped player in the current squad having played sixty two times for his country. Neil Murray (21) of Premiership Colchester, played in half of the qualifying matches and looks set to start the tournament beside Fletcher. Former Celtic and Kilmarnock player Charlie Grant, now 27, gets a chance to add to his meagre total of four caps after an excellent season at QPR whilst 23 year old Scott Morrice, who came through the ranks at Kilmarnock under MacLeod and is now at Brighton, gets his chance at full level for the first time.

The front two pick themselves. Twenty three year old Derek Meechan of Arsenal, has found the net 26 times in 21 full appearances for his country whilst strike partner Rab Sinclair (22) of Celtic has burst onto the international scene in this qualifying campaign having now bagged eleven goals in thirteen full team starts. Chelsea's Paul Roberts (21) has been on loan at Celtic this season, and is a good player in his own right, whilst twenty year old Rangers striker Andy Lindsay has earned a call up after showing some great scoring prowess whilst on loan to Bradford.

It is a squad which is a blend of youth and experience and certainly not lacking in skill. If MacLeod can give them the belief in themselves, this team can at the very least progress to the knock out stages - and after that, it's anyone's guess. The nation expects, and after twenty years, the expectation is sky high. If the players can muster even half the enthusiasm of a nation who have been denied the opportunity to see their team play in the premier footballing event on the planet, then Scotland will be a side everyone else will have to fear.

[Peacemaker7]

Thanks Sherm. It's kinda died on its arse a bit, going to Arsenal was perhaps not quite the right move but I will finish the football career side of from MacLeod's PoV then after that we'll see what happens.

[Peacemaker7]

Uruguay were the first for MacLeod's side. Scotland had soared to 10th in the World Rankings, whilst the South American's were 25th. Despite that meteoric rise, and the sheer class of some of the recent results the Scots had gained, they were still given odds of 40-1 to win this World Cup. The bookies though are rarely wrong, and whilst the whole of Scotland felt their team would be able to negotiate the groups, and possibly even a couple of knock-out round, talk of actually winning the tournament still seemed a tad ludicrous. That though didn't stop a lot of people who should have known better, from placing huge amounts of money on Scotland.

The Scotland starting eleven provided no real surprises, with only Marc Lennon in for the suspended Alan Hutton and to the line up would be:

Marr; Lennon, Creelie, MacKay, Brunton; Naismith, Murray, Fletcher, Maloney; Meechan, Sinclair

Uruguay almost caught the Scotland defence cold in the opening seconds as Albin sent an effort on goal that clipped the crossbar. It was an early fright and it seemed to work as just a minute later Lennon sent Maloney free down the left and his cross was bulleted into the net by the head of Rab Sinclair and the Tartan Army exploded into a mass of joyous noise. After a passage of tentative play that followed, Derek Meechan should have sent the Scots two up but his effort was poor. Seconds later, Naismith jinked past Uruguay defender Diego Carbone and delivered the perfect cross for Sinclair to head his second.

The Tartan Army thought they had died and gone to heaven, but Uruguay were far from dead themselves and Albin skimmed Lennon, delivered a beautiful cross into the area and Cavani slotted the ball home exquisitely. Suddenly we had a game on our hands. From the restart, Fletcher sent Meechan racing through on goal, but his effort was saved by Viera in the Uruguay goal - only to fall at the feet of a grateful Rab Sinclair and Scotland were three one up with only twenty one minutes gone.

There was further pain for Uruguay as, ten minutes from half time, Gargano head butted Fletcher and the referee had no hesitation in sending the South Anerican side's midfielder from the field of play. The sending off seemed to affect the whole rythym of the match, and although Scotland were in control, it was Uruguay who scored the last goal of the day when Jorge Fucile gave them an late consolation with five minutes to play. There followed a few late scares for Scotland, with memories of the capitulation in Macedonia surfacing, but in the end MacLeod's side held on for a vital win, and Scotland were on track for success.

[Peacemaker7]

Whilst the match against Uruguay had ended with a very narrow Scotland win, nevertheless MacLeod's side had shown that they were here to do business. Some of their play had been breathtaking and both Uruguayan goals had actually come from sublime moves by the South Americas who were certainly slouches when it came to raw talent. Morocco, who had scored an opening game win over Denmark by that same three two scoreline, would pose a subtely different challenge from the Uruguayans but it was one the manager was more than confident his side could overcome.

The only change from the opening match for the Scots was that Alan Hutton would slot back into the right back role after his suspension. Marc Lennon had done a good enough job against the Uruguayans, but MacLeod felt Hutton was still his best choice in that position and this was no time for being overly sentimental. Or perhaps it was, but either way Hutton was back in the side.

Scotland did have the ball in the back of the net after just twelve minutes after Meechan chipped into the area for Sinclair to head home. The referee though decided that there had been an infringement, although no-one else saw anything at wrong. There was just that tiny feeling in the air that this might be one of those games, and when Murray sent the ball over when it was easier to score just minutes later, that feeling was starting to grow.

It was all Scotland though as Sinclair put a header just wide and then Neil Murray forced the Moroccan keeper into a finger tip save from a great free kick. It seemed like only a matter of time before Scotland finally scored for real, and when it did come it was the simplest of tap in for Sinclair after a dreadful error in the Moroccan defence. Half an hour gone, and the pressure was eased, and just a few minutes later Maloney floated in a corner, MacKay rose above the defence and Scotland were two ahead and coasting now to what would surely be the victory that sent them to the knockout stages.

Morocco were shaken now and just five minutes later Darren Fletcher pounced on a lose ball outside the area and with acres of space to manouevre, thundered the ball into the net and any lingering doubts were finally dispelled. As the Scots fans started to head for their half time paella and bovril, so in the dying seconds of the half Maloney sent over another corner, MacKay was there again and Scotland were taking the pish now.

The second half was a much more relaxed affair. The match was won for Scotland and they were through, whilst the Moroccans knew they were beaten and were saving themselves for the crunch match against uruguay. Fifteen minutes from time, Maloney finally gave Scotland a fifth goal just to emphasis the point and that was that.

The final group match for Scotland was largely without much meaning - for the Scots. The Danes, having beaten Uruguay 3-0, now needed a win but in a hard fought match they just could not penetrate the Scots defence and two minutes from time Shaun Maloney sent the Danes out. Morocco managed a 1-1 final game draw with Uruguay to progress and they would face the USA in the last sixteen, whilst Scotland had a tough but highly winnable tie against Colombia.

The Tartan Army were starting to believe......

[Peacemaker7]

The Tartan Army were indeed starting to believe, but Duncan MacLeod knew full well that both they and the Scottish media did tend to get carried away at times. It was his job to keep his players feet firmly on the ground, but that was far from easy. Colombia would not be an easy match, of that MacLeod was certain, but it would also not be the hardest match the Scots would ever face - and it was certainly winnable.

And that was the problem really. Colombia had beaten the USA and Ireland, but lost to Spain. They were far from impressive and the winner of the match would face either Bulgaria - or Wales. The Scottish press already had their side in the Semis but at the end of the day, MacLeod's men still had to go out an win their matches. Scotland traditionally feck up when they are favourites, and that if nothing else ever seems to change.

Come half time against Colombia it was still goalless. Neither side had really created any chances, and Scotland were not looking like the side who had coasted through qualifying. The second half was little better and so a match that had failed to produce any real exciting went into an extra thirty minutes. There was simply nothing happening here at all, and the fans were starting to batten down the hatches for the dreaded penalty shoot out.

It would, of course, be so typical of Scotland to lose in a penalty shoot out, and just as everyone was writing their obituaries, less than one minute to go, Scotland win a corner. Shaun Maloney floats it over, Creelie rises and the Tartan Army rise as one more in relief than joy. A far from pretty match, but when all is said and done, Scotland were in the last eight of the World Cup. A few days later, Wales beat Bulgaria by two goals to one, and we had a Celtic quarter final that promised to be a cracker - but would more than likely be a damp squid.

[Peacemaker7]

To say this would be biggest international match in British football history might just about be overstating the issue, but one thing was for sure - the winners of this match would be playing in the biggest international match in British footballing history, as they would be facing up the English.

Scotland were probably slight favourites, but you can't get to a World Cup Quarter Final unless you are a half decent team and Wales would be to be given all due respect. And indeed, the Welsh entered this match on the back of an unbeaten thirteen game run. They had overcome Italy in their opening group match of the tournament by three goals to two, albeit the Italians played the final 87 minutes with just ten men. Wins over Japan and South Africa secured the Welsh place in the last sixteen where Bulgaria were summarily dismissed. The Welsh were not yet thinking about winning the World Cup, but they had to think they had about as good a chance now as they ever would.

If the Scotland players had harboured any doubts about the quality of this Welsh side, they were soon disabused as with just seven minutes gone, David Walker sent the Welsh into the lead. Scotland's cause was not helped when Rab Sinclair was red carded after just thirty three minutes and suddenly it seemed that everything was falling apart for Duncan MacLeod's side. Somehow they managed to get to half time still trailing by that single goal, and when they arrived in the dressing room they were met by a very unhappy manager.

Duncan MacLeod was never one for mincing his words, and told his players in no uncertain terms that if they didn't come back with a win after the next 45 minutes - don't come back at all. It was a grim set of Scotland players who made their way back out at the Santiagio Bernabeu and at the home of his wife's favourite football club it was perhaps fitting that Derek Meechan became the hero of the hour with a great 71st minute strike. Eleven minutes later, Meechan set up Darren Fletcher and after a fantastic second half of football, the Scots emerged triumphant and Wales were left to ponder what might - and probably should - have been.

For Duncan MacLeod though, imortality beckoned. He had already achieved so much in his footballing career and now he stood just ninety minutes away from a World Cup Final for the second time in his life. Twenty eight years ago, France had ended Scotland's bid to win the FIFA World Cup - this time is was the 'Auld Enemy', England who were the opponents. Defeat for either side simply was not an option and with either the USA or Holland awaiting in the Final, this was very much considered the match that would decide the World Champions.

Things of course, never really work out that simply....

[HD]

MON SCOTLAND!

[Ockenback]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Peacemaker7:

Scotland had not qualified for the Finals of the FIFA World Cup since 1998.... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Did Duncan not win his 104th cap for Scotland at the 2002 World Cup?

I've just discovered this story over the past few days and it's been a joy to read. Helped by the fact that I have a soft spot for Kilmarnock and Arsenal are my 'English team' (no jokes about them being a French club please! )

[Peacemaker7]

Mibbe he did, sometimes I lost track of time

[Peacemaker7]

The match of the century the press were labelling it. Scotland had done well to get to this stage, finally turning their success at youth levels into success on the full international stage. There was however, a feeling that England would just be too strong, and with Holland lying in wait in the Final the English media were already planning victory celebrations - although the reports calling for the managers head on a platter should he fail had also been written, just in case

England were long overdue success on the world stage, and the way was now clear with the big names gone and the Dutch not being the side they had once been. Having come through a group containing Ukraine, Togo and South Korea the English were hardly tested at all and the knockout stages had seen wins by 2-0 over both Mexico and then Switzerland. They had not lost an international match since September of 2012, when Pioland had stunned them 1-0 at Wembley and many observers felt the English had been exceptionally unlucky to lose the Final of Euro 2012 to Russia.

Scotland did not have their problems to seek either. Both Mark Brunton and Rab Sinclair would be suspended for this match, and Neil Murray had picked up an injury that meant his tournament was over. James McFadden would start up front in place of Sinclair and at the age of 26, Steven Smith would finally make his full international debut at left back. How much of difference these changes would make was anyone's guess, but MacLeod refused to believe that the players coming in were any worse than those missing. There would be no excuses for defeat here.

The first real action of the Semi-Final saw Wayne Rooney yellow carded for a crude foul on Ross Creelie - a booking that meant Rooney would miss the Final. Alan Hutton was booked a few minutes later, ironically for a foul on Rooney but Hutton had not recieved an earlier card and so would be able to play - unless of course he ended up red carded here. Or England won.

Goal scoring chances were few and far between in the early stages as both sides exhibited a fair amount of nerves. It took 25 minutes before the first real chance, when Rooney thundered the ball on target, but Ray Marr pulled of a brilliant save to deny him. Rooney sent an effort wide ten minutes later and that at the end of forty five minutes was all anyone had to show. Neither side had been overly impressive and there was still everything to win - and lose.

This was not a great game of football - the curse of the Semi-Final seeming to take hold - and Theo Walcott was the next player to force Marr into a save just after the hour. England seemed to be just about starting to dominate proceedings, when Darren Fletcher sent Meechan clear and with his first real chance of the match, MacLeod's son-in-law sent the Tartan Army into raptures and the English into hysterics. The lead was not totally undeserved, mainly because in all honesty neither side really deserved anything from this match. Scotland though were more than happy to be ahead, deserved or not.

The Scots confidence suddenly soared, and Meechan produced another great shot, but Scott Carson emulated his opposite number by pulling off a fine save. As the match went into stoppage time, so it was nail-biting time for both sets of fans as they willed their sides to hold on/make one last ditch effort. In the dying seconds, Dawson seemed to be clear with just the keeper to beat, but somehow Ross Creelie got back in time to nick the ball and that was that.

Scotland were into the Final of the World Cup for the first ever time and whilst recriminations would take place within the English media, Duncan MacLeod and his brave men now stood just ninety minutes away from a glorious triumph. Scotland had finally dragged themselves from the mire, to be almost top of the heap. Surely they would not now let down the best fans in the world.....

[Ockenback]

In reality I'd expect Scotland to get to the final before going down 2 or 3 nothing to Holland, come within a goal back in the last ten minutes and then miss a penalty/sitter and go out in glorious failure. Anything less is unrealistic.

[Peacemaker7]

Neil Murray was, of course, already out of the Final, and fellow midfielder Scott Morrice would join him on the sidelines. The good news for Scotland though was that Mark Brunton and Rab Sinclair returned to the side. Scotland would have the strongest possible side, apart from Murray who would probably have started. Charlie Grant though had proven a more than adequate replacement and there were no real worries on the score.

Eleven men then held the hopes of a nation in their hands - or more accurately ten held those hopes in their feet. The starting line up, for the most important Scotland match of all time would be:

Ray Marr; Alan Hutton, Ross Creelie, Graeme MacKay, Mark Brunton; Steven Naismith, Charlie Grant, Darren Fletcher, Shaun Maloney; Derek Meechan, Rab Sinclair

The rest of the players, apart of course from the injured duo, would take their places on the bench.

The Dutch were more than confident that their third World Cup Final would be third time lucky. The had beaten Iran and Costa Rica in the group stage, as well as a good 2-1 win over Brazil. Russia were seen off in the last sixteen before a pulsating 4-3 triumph over Argentina saw the Dutch through to face the USA in the last four - A USA side who would end up third in the competition after a 2-0 play off win over England.

Quite incredibly both these sides had gone almost two years unbeaten and both sides last defeat had been on the 10th of October 2012 - The Dutch losing 4-0 in Romania, whilst Scotland lost 1-0 in Croatia. The stage was set then for an epic finale to the 2014 World Cup, and the match was not about to dissapoint.

Ray Marr was forced into a save in the 7th minute from Luuk Otto, and just a minute later Derek Meechan saw a shot skim the top of the crossbar. Rab Sinclair came close a few minutes later, and as the match ebbed and flowed the Dutch rushed to the other end. Veenboer set up Barazite and this time Marr could do nothing as the ball sailed passed him into the net. Twelve minutes were on the clock, and the Dutch had gotten off to the perfect start.

Derek Meechan came close to an equalizer, before Graeme MacKay headed just over from a Shaun Maloney corner and Scotland were certainly far from out of this match. The game thundered back and forward as both sides created chance after chance, and five minutes from half time, MacKay was yellow carded for a rather innoccous foul - an event that would have a signifant impact later in the game. Half time came and the Dutch headed up the tunnel a happy side, Scotland had it all to do.

The second half followed much of the pattern of the first, both sides were creating chances in an enthralling match that ebbed and flowed with the wind. Another goal seemed inevitable. With nine minutes left to play, Brunton fed the ball to Sinclair in the area. The Celtic striker unleashed a ferocious shot on goal, but as it looked like ending up in the net the Dutch keeper somehow got a hand to parry the shot. The ball though fell at the feet of the onrushing Derek Meechan and he gleefully blasted it home and we had an extra thirty minutes of a fascinating game to enjoy.

Extra time came and three minutes from the end of the first period, Scotland recieved a body blow as MacKay was shown a second yellow. Sinclair was pulled off to be replaced by Alex Pearce and the Scots battled hard to hold on to their draw and so the 2014 World Cup would be decided on a penalty shoot out. Love them or hate them - and the Dutch tend to hate them - penalty shoots encompass so much drama and tension and this one would be no different.

For both sides, the first three spot kicks were scored with relative ease, before up stepped Derek Meechan as the pressure mounted. Misses now would be more and more crucial. Meechan pulled up his socks, took a deep breath......

[Peacemaker7]

The End.

[Ockenback]

I like how you've chosen to end it. Let's face it, any man getting Scotland that far would become a Scottish footballing legend regardless of what happened.

I'm glad I only just discovered this, as it's made for a jam-packed compelling read. You've actually convinced me to give writing a story another go.

[Peacemaker7]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">You've actually convinced me to give writing a story another go. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Excellent

(It's not really the end, I have about three or four more posts, but didn't see much point when only one person was reading. Not that I don't appreciate it mind )

[HD]

Oi! Let's have it!

[Peacemaker7]

I've forgotten what happens next.....

[Peacemaker7]

Derek Meechan, son-in-law of Scotland manager Duncan MacLeod, stood patiently over the ball for what seemed like an eternity. It would be so many kinds of irony if Scotland's current top scorer, the man whose goal nine minutes from the end of the normal time set up this deadly shoot out, blasted the ball over the bar and to all intents and purposes lost his nation a shot at the ultimate glory.

Meechan looked at the ref, re-placed the ball, eyeballed the keeper, looked at the ball, took three steps back. Thump......

The ball nestled in the back of the net. It would have been an ironic miss, but it wasn't to be.

Klass Jan Huntelaar stepped up next. If he missed, then Scotland only needed to score to win the World Cup. If he scored the pressure would really be on the fifth Scotland spot kick taker. Meechan, having done his job at least trotted back to the centre circle, and turned just in time to see Huntelaar blast the ball down the middle........

Ray Marr, the hero so may times for club and country, and not moved that much, stuck out a leg, the ball deflecting off bouncing not into the net, back back out towards the Dutch player and the Dutch once more sank to their knees as another penalty shoot out looked to be going against them.

It all rested now with two men. Dutch keeper Tim Krul, against a man who had just left Arsenal to return to Aston Villa - Shaun Maloney. The player who had been with MacLeod at Kilmarnock, Arsenal and now Scotland placed the ball and almost without thinking sent it to Krul's left hand side. The keeper, diving to his left tried to throw out a leg just deflecting the ball ever so slightly, agonizingly as the seconds slowed to a standstill the ball thumped the post and plopped solidly over the line. Scotland had won the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

[Peacemaker7]

Duncan MacLeod was given a heroes welcome as he led his victorious Scotland side back to Glasgow Airport, and then paraded the World Cup round various venues in the country. The SFA, plus a host of top club sides, very much wanted MacLeod as manager but Duncan had other ideas. After football, his ambition had been to go into politics and a few months after his finest footballing hour, the Scottish National Party announced that their candidate for the Kilmarnock & Loudoun seat for the 2015 Scottish Parliamentary elections would be – Duncan MacLeod.

With the SNP grabbing power by the slenderest of margins in 2007, Scottish politics was on the verge of a brave new era. Four years later though, as the Conservatives dominated at Westminster, their vote in Scotland was once more on the verge of total collapse. Of the three constituency and thirteen list seats the Tories had gained in 2007, they ended with no constituency members at all and only eight from the list. The Labour party picked up two of those Tory seats, the other going rather stunningly to the SNP. Even more stunning in the shaping of the future Scottish Parliament was the winning of not just one, but two Constituency seats by the Scottish Green Party, who added six more regional MSP's . The Liberal Democrat support was slowly being eroded as they lost two constituency seats but also managed to gain one, and picked up only three list seats. That though was to prove significant as list seats of the Nationalists rose by four to 30, whilst Labour maintained their nine.

With the SNP holding 52 of the 129 seats to Labour's forty eight, Alex Salmond, with continued and improved support from the Greens was fully expected to be returned once more as Scotland's First Minister, although obtaining a referendum on Independance still seemed to be a long way off. In a day of high drama at Holyrood though, the Liberal Democrats once more joined forces with Labour to see the election of Wendy Alexander as the first female to hold the top political job in Scotland. When the Labour Party regained control of Westminster after a snap general election called by a Conservative Party that gleefully gone to the polls, sure of increasing their ten seat majority, the actions of the Labour Party at Holyrood did little to impress the Scottish electorate. In 2015, Duncan MacLeod safely held onto the Kilmarnock & Loudoun seat for the SNP in an election which saw the Conservative vote rise slightly as they won back one of their constituency seats and two more on the list. The Liberal Democrats, who had by now lost all credibility as a party in Scotland saw their vote crumble even in their staunchest heartlands.

By the end of the 2015 Scottish Parliamentary election, the Lib Dems had only four directly elected seats and only 2 from the lists. With all the votes counted, the SNP-Green alliance now had 64 seats , just one short of what would have been an historic overall majority but they once more became the governing party in Scotland. Halfway through that term, Alex Salmond announced that he would finally be retiring from politics at the 2019 elections. Duncan MacLeod had quickly risen through the ranks of the party, his speeches in the Parliament often brought applause and admiration from throughout the Chamber and it was little surprise when he was elected leader of the SNP in waiting.

MacLeod had gone from footballing hero to political hero, but his best was yet to come. In rousing pre-election speeches, MacLeod built support on the narrow 54% victory of the pro- independence referendum that had taken place towards the end of Alex Salmond's reign. Duncan urged the Scottish people to show that they were serious about self government by returning to parliament an overall majority of independence minded party members. For the first time in the history of the Parliament, the SNP actually tied with Labour on directly elected seats – both holding 35 each, the Greens took six and the Lib-Dems somehow held onto two. After all the list votes were counted, The SNP had 63 seats in the parliament, and with the thirteen held by the Greens they formed an overall majority for the first ever time.

Independence though for Scotland was still not guaranteed, Westminster insisting that although the previous vote had been in favour, the turnout of 67% had not been high enough for a mandate. A furious MacLeod discussed with his party what to and exhorted the Scottish people's to turn out in their droves for what would now be a third ballot on the countries independence. The failures of successive Labour-Tory-Labour-Tory regimes in Westminster, had left most people in Scotland starting to believe that the country could not do any worse under self rule and coupled with the magnificent oratory skills of MacLeod, a whopping 81% of the nation turned out to give a 71% vote in favour of an independent country. There was little that Westminster could legally do, and after much debate and discussion it was decided that Scotland would be declared independent on the dissolution of the Holyrood Parliament in 2023 and that election would see the first truly independent parliament elected in Scotland for over 300 years.

[Peacemaker7]

Duncan MacLeod served for another four years as First Minister to the newly established office as President of Scotland, before he himself was elected to a position that was to most intents purely ceremonial. MacLeod had been an exceptional man, talented in many ways and he would be remembered long after his illustrious and highly successful life was over. Two of his three grandsons went on to become fairly successful footballers themselves, both coming through the youth ranks at Ayr United and although neither reached the glorious heights of their legendary Grandfather, they were still good enough to play for clubs at the top level of the game and earn a handful of international caps each. Duncan's youngest grandson, Robert James Meechan, also went into politics and became the first ever member of the Scottish Green Party to be elected to the post of First Minister.

Bethany MacLeod, Duncan's second daughter, lost her first husband in a tragic motorcycle accident and later went on to marry famous Scottish explorer David Munro. They were only married just over a year though when the explorer was lost in the Andes. Bethany then went on to have a short, highly publicised and extremely unhappy marriage to US pop sensation Itch (real named Bartholomew Jones) before finally finding true happiness once more with Fraser Thompson, a local Kilmarnock business man. Despite their ups and downs, Isabella and Derek Meechan remain to this day a happily married couple, awaiting the birth of their third grandchild.

Alyson MacLeod passed away just three months before the death of her legendary husband. She had been a good wife and mother, and Duncan had often paid tribute to her love and support. Her death had hit him hard, his health going downhill rapidly from that point and on the 16th of February, 2055 at the age of 89, Duncan MacLeod passed over to the 'other side' and a nation was plunged into mourning.

The crowds thronged the streets from the old church building all the way to the cemetary, many rows deep as people came from all over the country, indeed the world, to pay their final respects to a man for whom the oft over used term Legend was certainly more than fitting. His had been a long life, passing away quietly in his sleep at the grand old age of eighty nine and many of the people lining the street were mere figments of their parents imaginations when this man was at his peak, when he performed the miracles that raised him from humble birth to mighty legend, saviour of his country, if not quite saviour of mankind. As the coffin passed slowly through the streets of Kilmarnock, winding its weary way to the final resting place of this great man beside the woman who has supported, nurtured and loved him, many tears were shed of grief, but also of pride. Pride that this nation, this fierce, independent country of football lovers, haggis eaters, kilt wearers had been dragged from the literal depths of despair to become once more the rightful owners of the tag of greatest nation on the planet – at least in footballing terms. And if it had been now longer than many people lined here could remember since those glory days, they were forever etched in the memories of those who were there, and written into the pages of Scottish folklore.

[Peacemaker7]

And that truly is the end. It would be nice, somehow, to follow the careers of Duncan's grandchildren but because of the restrictions of the save game editor it simply isn't possible and the only way to do that properly would be to create a new game. But that wouldn't really work I don't think.

Thanks to Iain as always for his continued support, and to Ockenback for taking the time to read from later on, unfortunately it came to the end just as you found it.

The rest of you can feck off.

[HD]

WP, great story and should walk SOTY at the upcoming awards.

[Ockenback]

As much as I had liked the idea of ending the story during the penalty shootout, victory is always a better way to end it!

I hope you had as much enjoyment from playing this and writing the story as I have had from reading it over these past few days.

[Peacemaker7]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by HD:

WP, great story and should walk SOTY at the upcoming awards. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Doubt it I'm not amaroq

[Amaroq]

Congrats on Best Scottish Story, well done.