The final whistle blew in Boston, and thousands of miles away in Scotland, a nation erupted. John McGinn's first-half goal had proved enough to earn a 1-0 victory over Haiti — Scotland's first World Cup win in 36 years. Supporters who had gathered in bars, fan zones and community halls across the country for the 02:00 BST kick-off spilled into the early morning sunshine, many still in Saltires and Scotland tops.
Up to 30,000 fans had travelled to the US for the match, filling the stadium and the fan zone. Back home, 500 people watched at Aberdeen's Beach Ballroom, where doors opened at 22:30 on Saturday under an orange sunset sky and a bagpiper played the fans in. In Glasgow, thousands descended on the OVO Hydro for the country's biggest fan zone. At Greens Sports Bar in Dumfries, more than 200 fans watched the drama unfold, with owner Liam Logue saying the World Cup had been a welcome boost for business.
“Jubilant Scotland fans celebrated a first World Cup victory in 36 years after John McGinn's goal beat Haiti 1-0.”
"For me it's the first time seeing Scotland at a World Cup and watching us win a game is unbelievable," said 19-year-old Alex Stewart from Forfar. "We're sitting top of the group. It opens the group up entirely." Craig Stewart, also from Forfar, was "ecstatic" despite admitting the performance had been "shaky". Lefika Duncan Taukobong, 36, predicted Scotland would reach the knockouts: "Miracles happen."
Among those determined to be part of the party was superfan Neil McKnight, 62, from Ayr, who is flying from London to Miami for a 70-hour visit to watch Brazil v Scotland on a giant TV screen. He has no ticket and knows he won't get one. "I just want to be part of the Tartan Army at the World Cup," he said. "It will cost me over £1,000 but it will be worth every penny." His wife Alison is supportive, but his daughter Kayleigh's wedding on June 20 ruled out the other group games. His close friend Andy Clayden, an England fan, joked: "It's a long way to go and a lot of money to celebrate a couple of possible corners."
Police praised the "good spirits" of fans but reported a serious assault and a disturbance in the early hours of Sunday. The result leaves Scotland top of their group, with games against Morocco and Brazil to come. As one fan put it: "You've got two big names in Brazil and Morocco... just go for it."