A 'haunted' World Cup stadium with a 64,500 capacity could host a potential knockout stage clash between England and Scotland if both teams advance from the group stages. The two nations could rekindle football's oldest rivalry in the quarter-finals if everything falls into place.
For that to happen, England would need to win Group L and progress through the first two knockout rounds. Scotland would also have to win Group C ahead of Brazil, Morocco and Haiti before securing safe passage to the last eight. In that scenario, the two countries would do battle for a place in the semi-finals.
The game would be played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, which is known as one of the USA's most iconic sporting arenas. The home of NFL outfit Miami Dolphins, the 64,500-capacity ground is one of 16 host stadiums across North America for this summer's World Cup.
More Than Just Football
Hard Rock Stadium also stages the Miami Grand Prix, with the first sector of the track wrapping around the exterior of the arena, and the Miami Open tennis tournament. It will host a total of seven World Cup matches, including Scotland's group stage meeting with Brazil and the third-place play-off.
It will also be the venue for the quarter-final that could see Steve Clarke's men go up against England in a seismic showdown on the global stage.
Haunted History
Interestingly, there is a belief that Hard Rock Stadium is haunted by the ghosts of the ancient cemetery it was built on top of. There was a burial ground for the Tequestas on the site until around 800 AD, with the Seminoles occupying the land until the mid-19th century.
Ancient remains and artefacts were unearthed when the ground was excavated to lay the stadium's foundations back in 1985. The burial ground was disturbed just four months after the Dolphins lost Super Bowl XVIII and they haven't featured in the NFL showpiece or won the AFC Championship since then.
It has led some conspiracy theorists to suggest that home teams at the Hard Rock Stadium may be cursed. Unfortunately for Scotland, they will be listed as the home side when they face Brazil in the World Cup group stages.
However, they may still benefit from a key advantage. Recent changes to the roof design mean that in the intense Florida heat, the home dugout is shaded while the away bench is in direct sunlight.
