Split Second: How Scotland won the World Cup in 1966

by Martin Dey

We all know the story. Scotland had a Golden Generation of footballers in the 1960s, playing for top English clubs and competing in European finals, yet the international team failed to qualify for a major finals. One of the stars of that era, Jim Baxter, is at the peak of his powers in December 1964, when Rapid Vienna's Walter Skocik breaks his leg. Scotland have won 17 of the 24 matches in which Baxter has played. In the qualifying matches for World Cup '66, Scotland pick up 4 points out of 4 in the matches Baxter plays and only 3 points out of the 4 games he misses through injury.
Split second. In one reality Jim Baxter, his leg broken, lies in agony on the touchline of the Prater Stadium, Vienna. In another reality, it is Skocik lying on the turf frustrated and outplayed, as Baxter evades his lunge.
Baxter continues at his peak. Next up Inter Milan in the European Cup Quarter Finals and World Cup ties with Poland and Finland. The World Cup Finals are to be played in England. If Scotland qualify every game will be like a home game, backed by a huge support, in stadiums so familiar to many of their players.
If Walter Skocik does not break Jim Baxter's leg, how will Scotland fare in the World Cup in 1966?

152 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2023