by Alex Gordon
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Pick it out. Denis Law, with a cobra-like strike, smashes a rebound past a grounded Gordon Banks to put the Scots on their way to a history-making 3–2 triumph at Wembley on April 15, 1967 – one of the player’s finest memories. Skipper Billy Bremner prepares to skip in delight while Martin Peters looks on in despair. It was England’s first defeat since they upset Law by winning the World Cup the previous year. Getty Images
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Out of luck. Denis is just off target at Wembley with a left-foot effort where, as usual, his pace and anticipation have made space in the defence. Getty Images
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The save of a lifetime. Law’s wonderful lob is pawed round the post by Banks to deny the Lawman a typical goal. Even Denis acknowledged the agility of his English rival. George Cohen (No.2) and Bobby Moore (No.6) breathe a sigh of relief.
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Headmasters. There was talk of a ‘fall-out’ between Jim Baxter and Denis Law after the 1967 win at Wembley. Baxter wanted to take the mickey while Law was desperate to widen the winning margin. Both laughed off the suggestion later in life. Mirrorpix
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At full-stretch. Denis sees the ball plucked off his toe by Gordon Banks in his last match against the English which ended in a 1–0 defeat on May 27, 1972 at Hampden. Denis deserved so much better in his last hurrah against his fiercest foes. Getty Images
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High and mighty. Denis made his international return after more than a year’s exile for the crucial World Cup qualifier against Czechoslovakia on September 26, 1973 at Hampden. Law knew a triumph would take Scotland through to the finals for the first time in sixteen years – and he won Man of the Match applause after his determined display in the 2–1 victory. Here he powers in a header. Corbis
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Law triumphant. Denis adopts his famous arm-in-the-air pose as he celebrates Joe Jordan’s winner against the Czechs. He was on his way to the World Cup Finals – at last! Corbis
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The final strike. Law launches a typically acrobatic effort into the Northern Ireland net in the 86th minute after keeper Pat Jennings (not in pic) fails to cut out a corner-kick. David Clements is out of luck in his attempt to block the attempt. It was the thirtieth – and alas – the last of Denis’s goals for his country. As usual, it inspired the Scots to a 2–0 victory with Peter Lorimer netting the second a minute from time on May 20, 1972 at Hampden.
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Rise and shine. In his one and only appearance in a World Cup Finals tie, Denis strikes a typical energetic pose as takes to the air to fire a header at the Zaire goal in Scotland’s way to a 2–0 win in West Germany 1974. Corbis
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Forever The King. The stylish, strutting merchant of menace as all Scottish fans will remember the one-and-only Denis Law, the hero of a nation. Mirrorpix
[List of Illustrations]