Scotland fans have arrived in Boston and say the nation is the "best prepared" it has been in years as Steve Clarke's side prepare to take on Haiti this weekend in the World Cup.
On Thursday, tartan army diehards flocked to Scottish pub The Haven, where they marked the start of the tournament with imported Tennent's lager and bagpipe music. They also enjoyed the tournament's opening game, Mexico v South Africa.
Many of the fans had arrived in the days leading up to the start of the World Cup, with some planning to go to all three of Scotland's upcoming group stage matches. Others simply came to enjoy the experience in and around the fanzones of Boston.
Brothers Peter and Sean Reilly were among those there, both of whom travelled purely for the Haiti match at the weekend. Sean, who is retired and arrived in Boston on Wednesday, told the Press Association: "It's amazing to be here – we were at the Morocco game in 1998, so it's great to be back in the World Cup again. There's been the feeling that Scotland are on the rise and that possibly this is the best prepared we've been in many recent years."
Peter, a sales and marketing worker who landed on Monday, said: "There's a sense of anticipation, there's still two days to go until the game, but everybody is quite excited, and we're building that excitement. I think the tournament is arriving at a good time for us, most of the players, apart from Billy Gilmour, most of the players are majorly fit, even though some of them have had some injuries this season. I'm feeling confident."
The visit comes alongside The Haven's "Boston T party", for which the owner ordered in more than 100 kegs of Tennents to ensure fans can enjoy their favourite drink.
Scotland fan and bagpiper Iain MacGillivray is performing at The Haven over the next 10 days in celebration of his team being in the World Cup. Rating his country's chances against Haiti, he said: "From what I've heard they could surprise us, but Scotland have a really good team. I've heard a lot of opinion that they could get through the group stages this time, they've never been through, they've been very unfortunate and very unlucky, but I think we've got a good chance. It'll be a cracking game. We can't underestimate Haiti but then again I think Scotland are a force right now, I really think they are."
Owner Jason Waddleton, originally from Stonehaven, said: "We've got a big party on right now. It's Thursday afternoon, it's about 90 degrees fahrenheit outside. Everybody's enjoying some pipes, everyone's on the Tennents and we're just warming up for that game on Saturday. It's gonna be great. I'm very confident. We've got to go into the game fully confident and if there's any heartbreak to follow, then so be it."
