The 1960s was a decade when Scotland fans would declare their national side as unofficial World champions on the strength of a 3-2 victory in 1967 over the actual World Champions, England. Very much in keeping with its modern history, on good days Scotland could beat the best in the world while on their bad days they could lose to the worst.

A nation that could call up world-class players at will from the top English clubs, a European Cup-winning Celtic team, and a strong Rangers side still struggled to put together the teamwork and consistency needed to qualify for major tournaments. The wins in the 1962 and 1963 British Home Internationals brought little consolation for what was considered a decade of underachievement.