Scottish football fans are set to gather at venues across the country to watch as the national team bids to make history by qualifying from the group stage of a World Cup.
Steve Clarke’s men are playing Brazil on Wednesday night in their third and final group game, kicking off at 11pm UK time.
While thousands of Tartan Army faithful have travelled to Miami for the game, excitement is likely to reach fever pitch back in Scotland, with fans expected to pack out the pubs and bars showing the game.
First Minister John Swinney is among the fans in Scotland backing the team to make history by securing at least a point against the five-time world champions.
“The Tartan Army has captured the imagination of millions and I know that the team will have been inspired by their support,” he said.
“I know they can make history by reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time – the team have the chance to make themselves legends tonight.”
Thousands of fans are expected to watch the game at fan zones across Scotland, including the Ovo Hydro in Glasgow and The Pitt in Edinburgh.
At both venues, the fans will be shown the game on gigantic screens, with the atmosphere pumped up to fever pitch ahead of kick-off with music, chanting and rousing speeches.
Chris Cairns, from Auchterarder, Perth and Kinross, was one of many fans who watched the Morocco game at the Hydro on Friday.
He said watching the game at the fan zone was the next best thing after seeing it in real life.
“We just love following Scotland,” the 35-year-old said.
“My dad and I go to all the games, and because we couldn’t get across to America, we thought this was the second best thing.”
This was echoed by John Wight, from Bishopton, Renfrewshire, who said he wanted to watch the game alongside other Scotland fans.
“It’s a good idea to come to the Hydro,” he said.
“It’s the biggest venue in Scotland.”
Fans across the country will be hoping to see the national team bounce back from their 1-0 defeat against Morocco on Friday night and secure their place in the next round of the competition.
A win would see Scotland make it beyond a World Cup group stage for the first time.
With a draw, the team is all but guaranteed to secure qualification.
However, with Brazil ranked fifth in the world and Scotland 41st, the five-time World Cup winners are heavy favourites – but the Tartan Army are nonetheless dreaming of making history.
