Don't Cry for Me Argentina: Scotland's 1978 World Cup Adventure

by Mike Wilson

For Scotland it was meant to be a formality against Peru; instead, after a missed penalty, everything fell apart. In this book Mike Wilson speaks to everyone who was involved, including all the players, and reveals how even after 20 years some have yet to get over the trauma.

192 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1998

Reviews

[Charles James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Takes me back to the time when England did not qualify for World Cups (1974 & 1978) and Scotland did. It is telling I can name more Scottish players from the 1978 World Cup squad than the players at the last World Cup . The book recall the unbounded confidence when Scotland travelled to Argentina declaring they could win the world cup the players. This confidence was shattered by a 3-1 reversal against Peru , a draw against Iran and a final flurry of brilliance against Holland winning 3-1 , missing qualification by the skin of their teeth .
Many fascinating details such as the dismal accommodation and swimming pool with no water in it. Interviews with many of the players including Graeme Souness who accepted the criticism by another player that if he was a chocolate solider he would eat himself .
Also wonderful tales of the Scots abroad including one Scot who awoke having gundis pointed at him by soldiers only to explain what he was doing and ended up have a drink with all of them .
All highly entertaining except the chapter on politics which is out of place .
Highly recommended .