Brown's memories of France 98 - Scotland's last World Cup adventure

Scotland: Brown relives France 98 World Cup journeyImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, On 10 June, Scotland and Brazil played the opening match of the 1998 World CupByScott MullenBBC Sport ScotlandPublished2 minutes agoWarning: This article contains strong language that might cause offence.Colin Hendry stood proudly with a ball under an armpit and a pennant in hand. John Collins swaggered back and forth with his chiselled chest on show. Colin Calderwood roared like a caged lion. And, at the back, Darren Jackson loitered, waiting for everyone to leave.Then there was Craig Brown.Taking part in his third World Cup, the Scotland manager poked his head around the dressing room door. With 80,000 fans and a global audience waiting, his side's yellow-clad opponents strode by, arms linked, ready to defend their title.Brown retreated inside for one last battle cry. "I went in and said, 'guys, I've just seen Brazil holding hands," he said. "'They're shitting themselves!'"An eight-year hiatus from the game's biggest stage was at an end, with Scotland opening the 1998 finals against the world champions in Paris.For the Scotland manager, who died aged 82 in 2023, it was the culmination of months of preparation that included hotel hunting, different duvets, a disappearing Andy Goram, a training session with Rod Stewart and a phone call from Sean Connery. What followed wasn't dull either.Sacked in the Morning: Craig Brown on Underdogs4/5/2022Listen on SoundsGoram, Rod & a call from James BondAs well as a cooked breakfast, Brown had other things on his plate one morning in May 1998.Scotland were in New Jersey for the final leg of their preparations, with games against Colombia and the United States. Goalkeeper Goram wanted a word. He was done and was leaving the camp despite the manager's best attempts to talk him round."To his credit, he spoke to me and sent me a lovely letter saying he had to go for per...