Scotland’s last World Cup finals opener came in 1998 against mighty Brazil in France, drawing a global audience of 500 million viewers. That match saw the Tartan Army fight back from an early deficit only to suffer heartbreak with an own goal, marking the start of a tough group stage exit under manager Craig Brown.
The Iconic Match Against Brazil
The game kicked off the 1998 tournament at the Stade de France on June 10, with all eyes on Brazil’s star Ronaldo. Yet it was Cesar Sampaio who stunned Scotland by scoring after just five minutes. The Scots responded bravely when John Collins converted a penalty in the 38th minute to level the score. Tension built until Tom Boyd’s unfortunate own goal in the 73rd minute sealed a 2-1 defeat. This loss set the tone for Scotland’s campaign, which ended without a win, but the performance captured the spirit of the nation.
That starting lineup featured a mix of experienced pros and club legends, many from Scottish giants like Celtic and Rangers. Over 27 years later, as Scotland qualifies for the 2026 World Cup for the first time since then, fans wonder about these heroes’ lives today. Their stories range from media success to coaching stints and personal struggles, reflecting football’s unpredictable path.
Defenders and Goalkeeper: From Pitch to Podium
Jim Leighton, the veteran goalkeeper, stood tall between the posts that night, earning praise for his shot-stopping despite the result. After retiring in 2000 following a storied career at Aberdeen and a brief Manchester United spell, he shifted to coaching goalkeepers at his beloved club. By the mid-2010s, Leighton left football for a stable role as a sales manager in Aberdeen’s oil sector, where he thrives in business development. At 67 in 2025, he occasionally shares insights on Scottish football, staying connected to the game he loves.
Captain Colin Hendry, the tough center-back known as Braveheart, led the defense with grit. A Premier League winner with Blackburn Rovers, his post-playing life took dramatic turns. He managed Blackpool and Clyde before personal tragedies struck, including his wife Denise’s death in 2009 from surgery complications. Hendry faced bankruptcy in 2010 with debts over £2.2 million, tied to betting losses and loans. Drink-driving bans and harassment charges followed, with a recent 2025 court case resulting in a restraining order against an ex-partner. Yet, in November 2025, he made headlines by suiting up for a Blackburn Rovers legends match, showing his enduring bond with the club.
Colin Calderwood anchored the backline alongside Hendry, bringing Premier League experience from Tottenham and Aston Villa. His coaching journey has been extensive, managing Northampton Town to promotion in 2006 and later handling Hibs and Cambridge United. Sacked multiple times, he bounced back as an assistant at clubs like Newcastle and Aston Villa. In January 2024, Calderwood returned to Northampton as director of football, focusing on youth development and strategy. Now 59, he remains a respected figure in English football management.
Tom Boyd, the left-sided defender whose own goal haunts many fans, was a Celtic icon with 72 caps. He retired in 2003 and stayed loyal to the Hoops, becoming club ambassador in 2016. Boyd handles charity events and fan engagements while working as a co-commentator on Celtic TV. His calm demeanor has made him a fan favorite in media roles, and he often reflects on that 1998 night as a learning experience.
| Player | Position | Key Club Achievement | Current Role (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jim Leighton | Goalkeeper | Aberdeen European Cup Winners’ Cup 1983 | Sales Manager, Aberdeen |
| Colin Hendry | Center-back | Blackburn Premier League 1995 | Occasional Media, Legends Matches |
| Colin Calderwood | Center-back | Tottenham FA Cup 1991 | Director of Football, Northampton |
| Tom Boyd | Defender | Celtic Multiple Titles | Celtic Ambassador & Commentator |
Midfield Battles: Pundits, Coaches, and Entrepreneurs
The midfield engine room buzzed with talent, starting with Christian Dailly on the left. Versatile across positions, he moved from Derby to Blackburn for a big fee post-World Cup and became a West Ham hero. Retiring in his 40s due to injury, Dailly earned a sports degree and founded Big BASE Theory, a fitness company with his partner. At 51, he runs the business successfully, promoting health programs and avoiding the spotlight.
Craig Burley brought energy in central midfield, even scoring against Norway later in the tournament before a red card against Morocco. After stints at Celtic and Derby, he built a punditry career in the US with ESPN, living in Connecticut. Burley appears on BBC and TNT Sports, offering sharp analysis. A quirky training accident cost him teeth, but it adds to his memorable persona in broadcasting.
John Collins, the penalty hero, was a Monaco star then. He later joined Everton and Fulham before managing Hibs to a League Cup win in 2006. Sacked amid board clashes, he coached Charleroi and served as Celtic assistant. Now in his late 50s, Collins does occasional punditry and lives quietly, occasionally advising young players.
Paul Lambert, the tactical midfielder who shadowed Rivaldo, shone at Celtic before managing Norwich to Premier League promotion. His career included stints at Aston Villa and Wolves. After a break, Lambert returned in January 2025 as Borussia Dortmund’s technical director for the Asia-Pacific region, based in Australia. This role connects the club with Asian talents, leveraging his global experience.
Darren Jackson, deployed as a right midfielder despite striker roots, was a Craig Brown favorite. Post-retirement, he became a players’ agent and coached at Dundee United until 2015. Bankruptcy hit in 2016 with £270,000 debts, linked to job loss. He rebounded as assistant at Raith Rovers and St Mirren, then scouted for Blackpool until 2023. In 2025, Jackson continues agency work, representing talents like Leigh Griffiths.
- Key midfield contributions in 1998: Collins’ equalizer showed composure under pressure.
- Burley’s red card highlighted discipline issues in the Morocco draw.
- Lambert’s marking of stars like Rivaldo demonstrated his elite potential.
- Dailly’s versatility allowed tactical flexibility in the 3-5-2 setup.
Forwards’ Legacies: Goals, Media, and Business
Up front, Kevin Gallacher and Gordon Durie formed a potent partnership, with Gallacher netting six qualifiers beforehand. Gallacher, a Blackburn title winner, moved to Newcastle before retiring. He built a media career, commentating for BBC Radio and Sky, and writes columns for local papers. His 2006 book on Scottish football remains popular, and at 58, he analyzes games with insight.
Durie, Rangers’ nine-in-a-row hero, ended at Hearts. He coached East Fife briefly before joining Rangers’ youth setup under Ally McCoist. By 2015, he left for family business, becoming development manager at his wife Karen’s travel agency. Durie enjoys a low-key life, occasionally sharing Rangers stories.
Struggles and Resilience: The Bankruptcy Stories
Three players from that era faced bankruptcy, underscoring football’s financial pitfalls. Hendry’s 2010 insolvency stemmed from personal losses and debts. Jackson’s 2016 filing followed coaching dismissal, but he rebuilt through scouting. The third, while not a starter, was squad member Billy McKinlay, bankrupt in 2017 with £700,000 owed mostly to taxes after a failed investment. These cases highlight the need for better financial education in sports.
Scotland’s 2026 qualification mirrors 1998’s excitement, with fans drawing parallels to that resilient squad. Their journeys inspire, showing recovery from setbacks.
Share your memories of the 1998 team in the comments and spread the word on social media to celebrate Scotland’s football heritage.
