Only a Game

A distinctive documentary from 1974 chronicles part of Scotland’s World Cup campaign through the story of the national side’s group match against Brazil. Sixteen film crews followed the build-up to the game, capturing the atmosphere among the players, officials, broadcasters and supporters as hopes rose for Scotland’s appearance on football’s biggest stage. The programme combines behind-the-scenes footage with the drama of the match itself, offering a portrait of a nation invested in the fortunes of its team, which is reflected and replicated in today’s football passions. Produced by renowned filmmakers Roger Mills and Michael Houldey, it provides a rare period record of Scotland’s 1974 encounter against Brazil and a thoughtful reflection on enduring memories of World Cup fever.