'No Scotland, no party': Tartan Army return to the World Cup after 28-year absence

Supporters of Scotland are better known for leaving a mark on major tournaments than their team does on the pitch.

The nation has never advanced beyond the group stage at World Cups or European Championships in 12 previous attempts.

Yet around 200,000 Scots received glowing praise for the atmosphere they created at Euro 2024 in Germany, despite not seeing their side win a single match.

Tens of thousands are expected to brave sky-high prices to make the journey to Boston and Miami in the weeks ahead.

"If you had told me 28 years ago that we would not see another World Cup until now, I would have burst into tears, honestly," said Niall Fitzgerald, 50, speaking to AFP outside Hampden Park, which hosted Scotland's friendly victory over Curacao last weekend.

"But now that I am going, I can barely believe it.

"Every day, I think of nothing else. I am beyond excited," added the Scot, dressed in a kilt and Stetson cowboy hat.

Scotland's return to the world stage for the first time since the 1998 tournament in France was secured with a memorable 4-2 win over Denmark.

Highlighting the importance of Scotland's World Cup comeback, Scott McTominay's overhead kick in that dramatic victory has been immortalised in a giant mural outside Hampden, as well as on a limited-edition £20 banknote.

Haunted by the ghosts of past World Cup failures, Scotland's tournament opener against Caribbean minnows Haiti offers hope that the travelling hordes will be able to celebrate a winning start to the campaign.

But much tougher challenges lie ahead, against 2022 semi-finalists Morocco and five-time winners Brazil.

"I think they will probably bring a lot of drinking and partying. I think they will be some of the best fans there," supporter Ivor Much said of Scotland's talent for creating a carnival atmosphere.

"I think it is a perfect match to have Brazil and Scotland together."

'Stolen from the poor'

The joy of qualification, however, has been dampened by the exorbitant cost of tickets, travel and accommodation.

Scotland manager Steve Clarke urged supporters not to take on huge debts in their enthusiasm to follow Scotland in North America.

Category-one tickets for their clash with Brazil were priced at $700, with fees well into the thousands quoted on the secondary market.

"The Polish fans held up a banner at one of the stadiums last year saying 'Stolen from the poor, given to the rich' and I think that sums it up," said fan Steven Webster, who has not missed a Scotland home game since the coronavirus lockdown.

The 49-year-old is instead among many planning to travel to the south of Spain to watch games in bars and soak up a party atmosphere, even if it is several thousand miles from the heart of the action.

"The cost of going to America for the games, we could have bought a brand new car for the same sort of money," said Webster.

"Instead, we are going to Spain. I am getting a bit of FOMO (fear of missing out) right now."

Yet for those fortunate enough to follow their heroes across the Atlantic in the coming weeks, the party is just getting started.

"Everybody has their hand out in this World Cup and it has been a bit of a shame. But that said, nothing would deter us from being there, whatever the cost," said Fitzgerald.

"Everybody loves the Tartan Army. Even if they have never met the Tartan Army, they never want them to leave, and they want them to come back again and again.

"That is what we are taking to the World Cup - the party!"