A Perth father and son are enjoying the trip of a lifetime in the United States as they follow Scotland at the FIFA World Cup – the nation’s first appearance at football’s biggest tournament in 28 years.
David Grant and his son, also named David, travelled from Perth to America to support Steve Clarke’s side and will attend all three of Scotland’s Group C matches.
The pair began their journey with four days in New York after flying from Glasgow via Gatwick, taking in some of the city’s most famous landmarks and attractions.
Among the highlights were visits to the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, The Edge observation deck and the 9/11 Memorial Museum, while also enjoying the chance to watch an NBA game.
David said: “We’ve travelled with Scotland for years all over Europe and have been to nearly every away game. We were in Germany for the Euros, which was a dream, and the atmosphere among the Scotland support was outstanding.
“After such a difficult qualifying group, the Denmark game was a must-win and has to go down as one of the best Scotland performances in years. I think every person in Scotland was proud that night.
“When qualification was secured, a trip like this simply couldn’t be ignored.”
The pair then travelled by train to Boston, where they are staying in nearby Waltham for Scotland’s opening World Cup fixtures.
Their first match experience proved unforgettable as Scotland defeated Haiti 1-0 at Boston Stadium thanks to a goal from John McGinn.
“It was just wow,” said David. “Hearing the national anthem with thousands of Scotland fans singing along made you incredibly proud. You hope everyone back home in Perth was doing exactly the same.”
The victory marked Scotland’s first men’s World Cup win since 1990 and put them top of Group C after the opening round of fixtures, ahead of Brazil and Morocco, who drew 1-1 in their opening match. Scotland currently lead the group on three points, with Brazil and Morocco on one point each and Haiti yet to get off the mark.
Away from football, the Grants have embraced the American sporting experience, attending a Boston Red Sox baseball game alongside thousands of Scotland supporters.
“The hospitality has been incredible everywhere we’ve gone,” said David. “People have been chatting to us, taking photographs and asking questions about Scotland. We’ve felt very welcome.”
The father and son are now looking ahead to Scotland’s crucial second group match against Morocco in Boston on Friday before travelling to Washington and then Miami for the final group game against Brazil.
A positive result against Morocco would leave Scotland well placed to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history. The top two teams in each group qualify automatically for the Round of 32.
David added: “We’re loving every minute of this trip and hoping Scotland can go as far as they can in the tournament.
“It really is the experience of a lifetime.”
David’s son, who works as a chef at Brown & Blacks in Scone, may have to return home before the knockout stages, but both are hoping Scotland can continue their impressive start and extend their stay in America.
For now, the pair are enjoying every moment of a journey that has taken them from Perth to New York, Boston and soon Miami – all in pursuit of the dream of watching Scotland make history on the world stage.
