Dozens of kilted Scotland fans stayed behind to help clean up the Miami fan zone after the national team's 3-0 defeat to Brazil in the World Cup group stage. As thousands of disappointed supporters left Bayfront Park amphitheatre at full time, the Tartan Army volunteers grabbed bin bags from staff and cleared away empty beer cans and juice bottles strewn across the grassy viewing area.
Fans Praised by Cleaning Staff
Thankful cleansing workers hailed the fans, noting the area was cleaned up in minutes. Neil Mitchell, a 43-year-old systems analyst from Aberdeen, was among those who stayed. He told the Record: "It's just a massive mess. We've created that mess so we'll just tidy up. I sat on the wall and was crying for 10 minutes, but it's a big mess so it's just nice to clear it up. There's not that much staff, so it's just nice to help out."
Match Impact on Scotland's Tournament Hopes
The defeat dealt a major blow to Scotland's goal difference, leaving them with a minus three goal difference and three points. However, they could still advance as one of the best third-place sides. Currently seventh in the standings, Scotland's fate depends on results from rival countries with games still to play. Opta calculated a 42% chance of progression before the tournament for a team with three points and a -3 goal difference.
Mitchell added: "Minus the goals, I didn't think we played too bad. But the goals to concede were so poor, especially the first one. I'm an Aberdeen fan, so for McKenna to do that - I'm just thinking, come on, what you doing?! It was a bad result, but hopefully we can still get through. It's a painful one to take on the chin. Our fans deserve more, but onwards and upwards."
