The Scotland football team and their fans have “done their country proud” at the World Cup, John Swinney said, despite the defeat to Brazil diminishing the chances of Steve Clarke’s team making it out of the group stages of the contest for the first time.
A 3-0 defeat to the South American side means Scotland now have to depend on other results going their way if they are to qualify for the knock-out stages.
However Mr Swinney said fans are “proud of the team’s incredible achievement” in qualifying for the contest – the first Scotland men’s team to do so for 28 years.
He said the Tartan Army have “captured the hearts” of Americans with their exploits in Boston and Miami – the two cities where the team have played.
The First Minister – who travelled to Boston to watch the first game against Haiti – said the fans have been “brilliant ambassadors” for Scotland.
“I know, like me, the people of Scotland are proud of the team’s incredible achievement of reaching the World Cup finals and the way they have represented our country throughout the tournament,” Mr Swinney said.
“While last night’s result is not what we had hoped for, Scotland’s World Cup journey may not yet be over and qualification for the knock-out stages is still possible.”
Adding that Clarke and the players “should be proud of leading Scotland back to the World Cup after 28 years”, he added: “I know this team has the character and determination to give everything should they qualify and the whole country is right behind them.”
Speaking about the fans, Mr Swinney continued: “The Tartan Army have been brilliant ambassadors for Scotland in Boston and Miami.
“They have captured the hearts of people across North America and shown the world the very best of our country.
“The pride and passion felt by Scots around the world throughout this tournament is something we will remember for the rest of our lives. Both the squad and the fans have done their country proud.”
