Scotland's players and supporters depart Boston with heads held high, carrying genuine belief into a decisive Group C showdown against Brazil in Miami on Wednesday — a result that could send them into the knockout rounds of the World Cup for the first time in a generation.

The Tartan Army arrived in New England uncertain of what to expect. What they found was a city that welcomed them with open arms and adopted Scottish football as its own. Streets rang with Born Slippy, locals marvelled at their visitors, and the pink-that-is-salmon shirts sold themselves without a word of advertising.

A city won over

Boston may be synonymous with the Red Sox, the Celtics, the Bruins, and the New England Patriots — but over the past fortnight, soccer carved out its own corner of this sporting city's heart. Billboards promoting the ownership of professional Scottish clubs appeared around town. Bostonians queued to discover what all the fuss was about.

The Tartan Army packed out nights at Fenway Park, turned Boston Common into a tartan-draped living room, and left cone-shaped calling cards on the city's statues. The bond formed here will not be easily forgotten by either side.

Now the goodbyes have been said, the flags packed away, and the convoy heads south — though word has it the Marlins have a night waiting for them in Miami. The Tartan Army, it seems, knows how to fill a ballpark.

What Scotland need

Steve Clarke's side sit in a position that felt far from guaranteed before a ball was kicked. A 36-year wait for a World Cup victory finally ended in this tournament, and Scotland remain very much alive in Group C heading into their final group fixture.

Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil brushed Haiti aside on Saturday to leapfrog Scotland in the standings, so Clarke's men need a positive result against opponents they have never beaten across 10 previous meetings. The challenge is steep — but the belief in the squad and among the support is real.

Scotland flew into Fort Lauderdale weeks ago for their pre-tournament camp, so the Florida heat will not catch anyone off guard when they land. The task on the pitch is another matter entirely.

Eyes on history

Two years ago, the Tartan Army charmed Europe at Euro 2024, with their presence in Cologne becoming the stuff of legend. Many thought that chapter could never be surpassed. Boston rewrote the story.

Should Scotland produce the result they need against Brazil, the adventure could extend further still — potentially bringing them back to the northeast for a fixture against Germany before the month is out. The people of Boston, for their part, will be watching every minute and willing their new friends back across the Atlantic.