Why Scotland have become World Cup crowd favourites in the United States | OneFootball

Scotland have become one of the World Cup’s most popular sides in the United States, their fervent support and underdog charm captivating host cities.

According to L'Équipe, former international Neil McCann recalled an American in Foxborough who fell for Scotland. The fan attended the 1-0 win over Haiti on 13 June, memorised unofficial anthem Flower of Scotland and planned to sing it before the 0-1 loss to Morocco on 19 June, both staged near Boston.

The Tartan Army’s bagpipes, songs and good humour won over Boston. Mayor Michelle Wu announced a twinning with Glasgow, and Massachusetts governor Maura Healey signed a symbolic order ‘legalising’ haggis. Similar scenes are now playing out in Miami.

Before kick-off, New Musical Express said Scotland had the tournament’s best anthem, It Only Takes One Lion by Glasgow pop group Belle and Sebastian, and the best kit. British label 4AD released in late May a shirt nodding to the Cocteau Twins and the national side.

US outlets including ESPN and Sports Illustrated say Scotland could make history by finally advancing from a major tournament group after 12 failed attempts across Euros and World Cups. That run of near-misses helps explain their appeal to neutrals, says comedian and radio contributor Guillaume Meurice.

Even so, goodwill around Scott McTominay and his team-mates would likely grow further if they manage to beat Brazil in Miami at midnight from Wednesday into Thursday.

Source: L'Équipe