A solo run that sliced through the Dutch defence, a cool finish past the goalkeeper – and now a place in history as Scotland's most iconic goal. Archie Gemmill's stunning strike against the Netherlands at the 1978 World Cup has won a public vote, comfortably beating Scott McTominay's overhead kick against Denmark last November with more than 60% of the ballot.
The contest, run as excitement builds towards Scotland's long-awaited return to the men's World Cup finals, pitted two belters against each other in the final. But Gemmill's effort – which put Scotland 3-1 up in that famous group-stage match – proved the nation's favourite, a reminder of a moment when the Scots shocked the world.
“Archie Gemmill's 1978 World Cup solo goal against Netherlands voted Scotland's most iconic, beating Scott McTominay's overhead kick with over 60%.”
Other contenders in the online vote read like a hall of fame of Scottish football history. Denis Law grabbing the opener as Scotland beat newly crowned world champions England 3-2 at Wembley. Joe Jordan with a famous headed winning goal that sent Scotland to the 1974 World Cup. Kenny Dalglish's 87th-minute strike against Wales, in a match dubbed the Battle of Britain, to secure qualification. David Narey's piledriver that gave Scotland a shock lead against Brazil.
There were more Dalglish moments too – a great turn and neat footwork against Belgium, and a left-foot strike into the top corner against Spain. Ally McCoist sealed victory against Switzerland at Villa Park in Euro 96. And James McFadden's 30-yard strike stunned France in the Parc des Princes to seal a famous victory.
But in the end, it was Gemmill's solo effort – a goal that encapsulates Scottish football's ability to produce magic on the biggest stage – that topped the poll, earning more than 60% of the vote and cementing its place as the nation's most iconic goal.