First Minister John Swinney has expressed hope that Scotland are "on the right track" to qualify for the next stage of the World Cup following their 1-0 victory over Haiti. Swinney, who accurately predicted the win against the Caribbean nation, now forecasts a 2-1 triumph over Morocco on Friday.
Swinney's predictions and optimism
Speaking to the Press Association, Swinney stated: "We've got to make sure we use the leading position we've got in the group by making further wins in the rest of the group matches. I predict we will defeat Morocco by 2-1, and I had said we'd beat Haiti 2-1, so we had one goal of a difference with them." He added: "Hopefully we're on the right track, and Brazil may well be a challenge, but of course the Brazil-Morocco result last night was a bit of a surprise, and obviously assists in making sure that Scotland might have a way through all this."
The First Minister noted the long-awaited return to the World Cup, saying: "This has been an experience – a long time coming. 28 years we've waited to get into the World Cup, we've now done that, it was done in style last night by the men's national team and by the Tartan Army."
Tartan Army praised in Boston
Swinney also commended the behaviour of Scottish fans, stating that Boston locals have spoken highly of the Tartan Army. He said: "The Tartan Army were absolutely magnificent in supporting the team, and also in being ambassadors for Scotland in all of their time here in Boston. I've been speaking to local people here in Boston. They've been complimenting the Tartan Army on their contributions, so it's been an absolutely joyful trip."
He concluded: "I know it will have brought a huge amount of pleasure to people back home in Scotland and the travelling fans, that Scotland won against Haiti last night, and we're top of the group."
