Tonight, the Scotland national team are in action against Denmark in what is an unusual scenario. This match is effectively a ‘winner takes all’ playoff. If Scotland win then they’re off to next year’s World Cup Finals…
Over the years, Celtic have had some similar experiences. At different times, the Bhoys have played a team knowing that it’s ‘winner takes all’. This doesn’t include cup finals or final days when either team can win the title, only fixtures where the Celts have faced an opponent, each seeking a decisive result.
One match where this was certainly the case came 120 years ago in 1904-05. In that league season, Celtic and Rangers each finished on level points. However, back then, goal difference and similar was not used to separate the teams.
Instead, a one-off playoff fixture was held. The two sides headed for Hampden Park and a 2-1 victory for the Hoops ensured that the Bhoys became Champions. This ended up being the first of six-in-a-row titles, setting a then world record.
Fast forwarding to 1979, there was another glorious ‘one-off’ match for the Hoops. One the final day of Celtic’s season, the Bhoys ‘welcomed’ Rangers to Celtic Park. The scenario was clear: Celtic needed to win the claim the title. But soon they were behind, and later down to ten men. All looked lost…
Instead, a remarkable fightback ensured that the ‘Ten Men Won the League’ became famous in Parkhead, and Billy McNeill secured the title in his first season as boss.
Another famous Celtic season had a similar experience. In 1966-67 the Bhoys won the title with a 2-2 draw at Ibrox. For Rangers, this was their final game, although technically Celtic could have won the title either way.
Over the years, there’s been other ‘one-off’ matches that have influenced Celtic’s season, not all of which have helped the Hoops. This situation of playing a team in a single match which decides European involvement has happened on different occasions.
The Bhoys lost 2-1 to Ferencvaros in 2020 in a COVID-inspired match to decide Champions League placement. This sense of Celtic disappointment was also clear against Lyon (2004), Aalborg (2008) and Udinese (2011) where a last day game settled the issue of ongoing European involvement.
In other international games, there’s also been a ‘one game’ element, under different circumstances. The Bhoys faced Racing Club in 1967 in a playoff to decide the winners of the Intercontinental Cup. And in 1984, a replayed second leg at Old Trafford was effectively a one-off match.
The less said about either of these two matches the better! It is certainly to be hoped that Scotland have significantly better luck tonight. And in terms of the Scotland game, there’s only one appropriate shout: “C’mon you boys in blue.”
But only for tonight. Normal service – and support for the ‘green’ – is to be resumed this weekend!
Best of luck to Anthony Ralston, Kieran Tierney and the rest of the Scotland squad this evening.
COYBIB!
Matthew Marr
If you want to learn more about Celtic history, follow Hail Hail History on Twitter/X. You can also take part in a FREE Celtic history walking tour. Visit celticwalkingtours.wordpress.com for more information.
Matthew’s debut Celtic book titled ‘The Bould Bhoys – Glory to their name’ was published by Celtic Star Books last year and is available to order HERE. This brilliant book is also available on Amazon Kindle for just £3.49 and includes all photo sections that appear in the hardback edition.
