Former Scotland international Craig Burley has issued a lighthearted warning to Miami: stock up on suncream because the Tartan Army is coming. The world-renowned travelling fans are making their way to Florida ahead of Steve Clarke's side's crucial World Cup match against Brazil on Wednesday.
Burley's Suncream Concern
Burley, who earned 46 caps for Scotland, said: "I think Miami might have enough beer — I'm more worried about the sun lotion. I hope they've stocked up. I don't know if these Scots have brought any sun cream with them — they're getting redder by the day. It's going to be boiling down there, but they're going to have a great time."
The Tartan Army leaves Boston following a week of festivities, despite a disappointing 1-0 defeat by highly rated African champions Morocco last Friday. A draw would have put Scotland in the driving seat to reach the knockout stages of a major tournament for the first time in history, following their 1-0 win over Haiti. Now Scotland face a do-or-die clash with Brazil.
Boston's Loss, Miami's Gain
Ayr-born former midfielder Burley, who scored Scotland's last World Cup goal before John McGinn ended the 28-year wait against Haiti, believes that while Boston will miss the travelling support, Miami is in for a Scotland-style party. He said: "Scotland fans have already had an absolute blast. The Americans have taken these fans to their hearts. All anyone can talk about is the Scots. The Americans think they've been incredible. I don't know what the Bostonians are going to do when the Tartan Army leaves — they're going to miss them for sure. All anyone can talk about is the Scots. I'm sure Miami will be the same."
He added: "Even though it's a long shot against Brazil, there's still a chance. You've got to hang your hat on the fact that if Scotland get a result, it could go down as one of the greatest points in the country's history."
Lambert's Expectations
Former Scotland midfielder Paul Lambert, who earned 40 caps and represented his country at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, also weighed in. The 56-year-old said: "I think it's safe to say Boston has enjoyed having the Tartan Army — and so would I if I owned a pub. The fans have been brilliant. I'm sure they'll be rollerblading along that coastline soon enough, as they all do in Miami. The Tartan Army will love it down there and Miami will be rubbing its hands that Scotland are coming. This is going to be a mammoth game, arguably the biggest one. There is definitely everything still to play for."
Fan Spirit and Viewership
The departing Tartan Army hailed their time in Boston as fantastic, but the defiant foot soldiers are certain it's not over yet as they began their descent on Miami. Tartan Army stalwart Ricki Lord, 37, from Clydebank, added: "The Tartan Army is about to roll into Miami to do it all again and it's still very much in our hands."
A peak audience of six million viewers watched Scotland's 1-0 defeat to Morocco last Friday. Actor Karen Gillan wrote on social media: "Not the result we wanted, but the second half showed what we are made of. So excited for what's to come. Let's go Scotland v Brazil." Lorraine Kelly shared a photo with supporters en route to the match, writing: "What a time to be alive! Never been prouder to be Scottish — best fans in the world." Manchester United presenter Natalie Pike posted from the game: "This is what absolute and utter joy looks like. I am so, so grateful and blessed to be here." Bagpiper Ally Crowley-Duncan, who led supporters in a rendition of No Scotland, No Party in Boston's fan zone, added: "Thank you FIFA World Cup Boston for having me out!"
