SOCCER - WORLD CUP - 1974
WEST GERMANY
1974
2nd Round Group A - Netherlands (4) v (0) Argentina - The Netherlands showed what "Total Football" is all about with a dominating display in the rain in Gelsenkirchen. The Dutch were at their fluent best, scoring 2 goals in each half, with Johan Cruyff (2), Ruud Krol and Johnny Rep getting on the score sheet. The Netherlands also featured Johan Neeskens, Wim Jansen and Robbie Rensenbrink. Argentina featured Rene Houseman, Agustin Balbuena and Mario Kempes off the bench but were missing Carlos Babington to suspension (8, 1 Disc, ITV - Johns/Ramsey, PAL)
1st Round Group 2 - Scotland (0) v (0) Brazil - In one of Scotland's greatest ever World Cup games, they held the reigning World Champions to a goal-less draw in the Westfalen Stadion in Frankfurt. Brazil fielded only Rivelino and Jairzinho from the 1970 team and the flair of the 1970 team was replaced by steel and aggression, especially in midfield. After a very physical 1st half, Scotland took control of the game in the 2nd half and almost won the match when, after a goal-mouth scramble, captain Billy Bremner narrowly shot wide. The game ended in a draw and 4 days later Scotland were eliminated from the tournament on goal difference, becoming the first team ever to be eliminated from the World Cup without losing a game. Scotland also featured Danny McGrain, Peter Lorimer, Kenny Dalglish and Joe Jordan. Brazil also featured Mirandinha and captain Wilson da Silva Piazza (9, 2020 re-broadcast with no half-time, 2 Discs, BBC - Coleman/Stein, PAL)