England fans in Boston have conceded that the Tartan Army's atmosphere is superior, as thousands of Scottish supporters descend on the Massachusetts city for their second World Cup match. Scotland fans have charmed locals following their opening two fixtures, with even some England supporters embracing the chant “no Scotland, no party”.
Quiet after Scotland's defeat
The city was quiet on Saturday morning, the day after Scotland’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Morocco, and three days before England’s match against Ghana in nearby Foxborough. England supporter John Kiely, 62, who has been in Boston for the past week, told the Press Association: “They won’t be able to cap the Scots, no. It’s been excellent. It’s quiet today because they’ve all probably moved on now but it’s been buzzing here. It’s been amazing. They’ve had a proper party.”
Praise for Scottish fans
His friend Tim Watters, also 62, from Kent, added: “It’s been really good. I’ve got a tune in my head now.” Mr Kiely, a Liverpool fan from London, interjected: “No Scotland, no party.” “You wake up to that in the morning,” Mr Watters added. Mr Kiely said the Tartan Army had caused no trouble during their time in Boston, adding that he hoped England would do the same. “They’ve been great – there hasn’t been a hint of any kind of trouble with anyone or anything, it’s been brilliant. They’ve fully embraced it – we were out last night with them watching the game and it’s been great.”
Cost and atmosphere
Despite criticism over increased transport costs during the tournament, Chelsea fan Mr Watters said he had found Boston relatively inexpensive compared with other US cities. “Everyone talks to you, everyone’s been friendly – we’ve not been ripped off with prices either, it’s not too bad. You go to some parts of America and you’re paying through the nose.” Mr Kiely and Mr Watters watched England beat Croatia in the fan park in Boston’s city hall plaza. “It did feel like we were the only England supporters in there – everyone seemed to be supporting Croatia,” Mr Kiely said.
Future plans
Questioned on whether he was tempted to fly back out to the US if England progressed into the latter stages of the tournament, he told PA: “Well, we’ll see what happens.” Mr Watters added: “It’s all right if you’re single. I don’t think the wife would be too happy.”
