John Swinney has said the Scotland football team and their fans have “done their country proud” at the World Cup, despite a 3-0 defeat to Brazil that has diminished the chances of Steve Clarke’s team making it out of the group stages for the first time.
Defeat Diminishes Knock-Out Hopes
The loss to the South American side means Scotland now depend on other results going their way to qualify for the knock-out stages. However, Swinney emphasised that fans are “proud of the team’s incredible achievement” in qualifying for the contest – the first Scotland men’s team to do so in 28 years.
First Minister Praises Fans as Ambassadors
Swinney, who travelled to Boston to watch the first game against Haiti, 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. He described the fans as “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,” 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.”
Team's Character Praised
Adding that Clarke and the players “should be proud of leading Scotland back to the World Cup after 28 years”, he said: “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, 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.”
Lasting Pride
“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,” he concluded.
