1998 – Norway competed at the World Cup in France under Egil “Drillo” Olsen. They drew with Morocco (2–2) and Scotland (1–1), before stunning reigning champions Brazil 2–1 with late goals from Tore André Flo and Kjetil Rekdal. Progressing to the last 16, they were eliminated by Italy in a narrow 1–0 defeat.

1998/99 – Attention shifted to Euro 2000 qualifying. Norway carried momentum, topping their group with disciplined, physical football and Flo leading the attack. Strong wins against Slovenia and Latvia put them in pole position, establishing Norway as one of Europe’s most consistent and respected sides.

1996–97 – Scotland, managed by Craig Brown, began the 1998 World Cup qualifying campaign with a mix of experienced players like Colin Hendry, Gary McAllister, and John Collins, alongside emerging talents such as Christian Dailly. Scotland played disciplined football, securing wins over Austria, Latvia, and Belarus, but dropped points in crucial matches, leaving qualification uncertain.

1997–98 – Scotland secured qualification for the 1998 World Cup in France, finishing second in their group. At the finals, they drew 1–1 with Norway, lost 3–0 to Morocco, and were narrowly defeated 2–1 by Brazil, exiting at the group stage. The campaign demonstrated resilience but highlighted limitations against elite opposition.

1991/92 – Under Andy Roxburgh, Scotland pushed for qualification to Euro 1992. With leaders like Gary McAllister, Paul McStay, Richard Gough, and Ally McCoist, the team sealed a place in Sweden, finishing above Switzerland in their group. At the finals, they performed admirably: a narrow loss to the Netherlands, defeat to Germany, and a 3–0 win over the CIS. Though they didn’t progress, the victory was Scotland’s first at a major tournament finals.

1992/93 – World Cup 1994 qualifying began poorly. Scotland lost crucial games to Italy and Switzerland, leaving Roxburgh under pressure as results faltered.

1994/95 – After failing to qualify for the 1994 World Cup, Scotland began rebuilding under new manager Craig Brown. Veterans like Gary McAllister, Stuart McCall, and Richard Gough anchored the side, while John Collins and Ally McCoist provided creativity and goals. The focus was firmly on Euro 1996 qualifying.

1995/96 – Scotland secured qualification for Euro 1996 in England, finishing second in their group behind Russia. At the tournament, they drew with the Netherlands, lost narrowly to England, and beat Switzerland 1–0. Elimination came on goal difference, but the campaign restored pride and competitiveness to the national team.

Scotland, under manager Ally MacLeod, headed to the 1978 World Cup in Argentina with huge expectations, billed as a squad capable of challenging the best. Players like Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness, Archie Gemmill, and Joe Jordan formed a strong core. Hopes of glory quickly collapsed: Scotland lost their opener 3–1 to Peru and drew 1–1 with Iran, sparking national embarrassment. In the final group game, they produced a famous 3–2 win over the Netherlands, with Gemmill scoring an iconic solo goal. Despite the victory, Scotland went out on goal difference, and the campaign became a cautionary tale of overconfidence.

1987 – Under manager Andy Roxburgh (who had replaced Jock Stein’s successor, Alex Ferguson, in 1986), Scotland prepared for the Euro 1988 qualifiers. Veterans like Richard Gough, Roy Aitken, and Gordon Strachan formed the core, while new talents such as Paul McStay were blooded. Results were mixed, with promising wins but damaging defeats leaving qualification hopes in doubt.

1988 – Scotland ultimately failed to reach Euro 1988, finishing third in their group behind the Republic of Ireland and Bulgaria. With qualification gone, Roxburgh used friendlies to reshape the squad, looking ahead to the 1990 World Cup campaign and integrating younger players.

2006/07 – Under Gordon Strachan, Celtic won the Scottish Premier League, seven points ahead of Rangers. Key performers included Shunsuke Nakamura, Stiliyan Petrov, and Bobo Baldé, while Stephen McManus led the defence. Scott McDonald and Chris Sutton contributed goals, but domestic cup campaigns were disappointing, with early exits in the League Cup and a Scottish Cup semi-final loss. In Europe, Celtic reached the Champions League group stage but failed to progress further.

2006/07 – Under Gordon Strachan, Celtic won the Scottish Premier League, seven points ahead of Rangers. Key performers included Shunsuke Nakamura, Stiliyan Petrov, and Bobo Baldé, while Stephen McManus led the defence. Scott McDonald and Chris Sutton contributed goals, but domestic cup campaigns were disappointing, with early exits in the League Cup and a Scottish Cup semi-final loss. In Europe, Celtic reached the Champions League group stage but failed to progress further.

2007/08 – Celtic retained the league title, finishing five points clear. Aiden McGeady and Scott McDonald provided attacking threat, and defensive solidity from McManus and Baldé underpinned consistent domestic performances. European progress remained limited.

1989/90 – Under Billy McNeill, Celtic endured a disappointing campaign, finishing fifth in the Premier Division, their lowest league position in decades. Paul McStay led the midfield, but inconsistency and defensive frailties undermined results. Cup runs were brief, leaving fans frustrated.

1990/91 – Liam Brady took over as manager, seeking to rebuild. Celtic improved slightly, finishing third, but remained well behind champions Rangers. Key players included McStay, Charlie Nicholas, and Andy Walker. Early exits in both domestic cups and limited European progress reflected a transitional period, highlighting the gap between Celtic and the dominant Rangers side of the era.

1987/88 – Under Billy McNeill, Celtic finished second in the Premier Division, behind Rangers. The squad featured emerging talents like Charlie Nicholas and established players such as Roy Aitken. Cup runs were disappointing, with early exits in both domestic competitions.

1988/89 – Celtic again finished second, trailing Rangers in a dominant period for their rivals. Charlie Nicholas was the standout performer, scoring goals consistently, while McNeill tried to blend youth and experience. Scottish Cup and League Cup campaigns offered no relief, leaving supporters frustrated. These seasons highlighted the growing dominance of Rangers and Celtic’s struggle to reclaim the league.

In 1982/83, Celtic, managed by Billy McNeill, remained competitive but ultimately fell short in the league. They finished second in the Scottish Premier Division, four points behind new champions Dundee United, in one of the most dramatic title races in Scottish football history. Key players like Charlie Nicholas shone, with his goals and flair making him a standout performer, while Paul McStay began to establish himself in the first team. Celtic lifted silverware by winning the League Cup, defeating Rangers 2–1 in the final with Nicholas scoring twice. Despite league disappointment, it was still a memorable and transitional season.

In 1996/97, Celtic, managed by Tommy Burns, played attractive football but ultimately fell short in the title race. Despite boasting attacking talents like Paolo Di Canio, Jorge Cadete, and Pierre van Hooijdonk, the team lacked the defensive consistency to match Rangers, who clinched their ninth successive league crown. Celtic finished second, five points behind, though their brand of attacking play won plaudits. Cup competitions brought no silverware, with early exits deepening frustration. Internal tensions and financial pressures grew, and Burns departed at the season’s end. The campaign is remembered as one of “what ifs,” with flair overshadowed by missed opportunities.

1984/85 – Under Davie Hay, Celtic endured an inconsistent league campaign, finishing fourth, well behind Aberdeen. However, the season was rescued in the Scottish Cup final, where a last-minute free-kick from Frank McGarvey sealed a 2–1 win over Dundee United. Paul McStay and Mo Johnston were key figures.

1985/86 – A dramatic title race saw Celtic crowned Scottish champions on the final day. Needing to win by three at St Mirren while hoping Hearts lost, Celtic triumphed 5–0 and Hearts were beaten at Dundee, handing Hay’s side the title. Mo Johnston and Brian McClair starred throughout an unforgettable campaign.