I told last week how, in 1963, Scotland, under boss Ian McColl, embarked on a mini close-season tour.
They suffered a defeat in Norway, and were also beaten by hosts Republic of Ireland, who were not the force they are these days.
With their tail firmly between their legs, it was on to the final match of the tour, a visit to Spain — a country which, a year on, would be crowned European champions.
McColl then reverted back mainly to his line-up from the first game, but with two notable changes.
Centre-half Billy McNeill slotted in at right-back in place of Alex Hamilton, with Frank McLintock getting the No. 4 shirt ahead of Dave Mackay.
The Scots went into the game with absolutely ‘no hope’ of a positive result and, indeed, lost an early goal.
Then, amazingly, three goals in a five-minute spell from Law, Gibson and McLintock saw them lead 3-1.
Wilson notched another, then Spain pulled one back before the break.
With the Scots totally in control in the Bernabeu Stadium, Henderson and St John (below) netted in the second period to complete a 6-2 victory – one of the greatest-ever results for Scotland.
A result, of course, which didn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things.
Scotland lined up – Adam Blacklaw; Billy McNeill, Davie Holt; Frank McLintock, Ian Ure, Jim Baxter; Willie Henderson, Davie Gibson, Ian St John, Denis Law, Davie Wilson.
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