Scotland fans rejoiced in the country's biggest fan zones after watching the historic victory against Haiti. Steve Clarke's men clinched a 1-0 victory at Boston Stadium, delivering the national team's first win in the tournament in 28 years.
At home, fans turned out in numbers at pubs and clubs in Edinburgh and Glasgow in the wee hours of the morning. At the Three Sisters pub in Edinburgh, the crowd erupted after John McGinn's winning goal, with pints flying into the air as the raucous crowd cheered Scotland on from afar.
Evie Mullan, 26, from Edinburgh, took in the action with her friend Ella Benzie, 24. She said: "The fact that Scotland made it even to this point - it means so much more to me than you can imagine. It's a humongous achievement. We don’t usually achieve this much as a country. It’s so lovely for us as a country to unify and come together."
Alfie Edwards, 25, from Glasgow, added: “I’m buzzing. This was Scotland’s easiest game but we have a few more. I’m really hopeful we can make it even further. If we get good results against Brazil we should go through. It’s the first time we’ve qualified in so many years so I’m proud no matter what happens. I’m a bit anxious but it’s good to get a win under your belt. We’re not done yet. I’m so happy we’ve gotten to this point for the first time.”
Alexa Trigger, 21, from Texas, is in Scotland for an internship. She said: “As someone who played football for 15 years I feel hopeful and confident Scotland can go even further. The support is beautiful and something you don’t experience back home.”
Matt Jones, 25, from Cambridge, was visiting friends in Edinburgh. He said: “As a viewer from across the border I’m cheering Scotland on because I love an underdog.” Sarah McAdams, 20, visiting from Nashville, added: “It’s awesome to be a Scottish football fan. As an American you don’t really get this in the States with one team, so it’s cool to see the national team representing the country and everyone rallying around them.”
There were similar scenes at the Clockwork Bar in Glasgow as punters went home happy after the thrilling victory. Tartan Army stalwart David MacFarlane watched the game with other regulars. He said: "Well, we got the win. That's all that counted. It was tense towards the end. I really thought we should win, but so many times over the years, we just don't do it. So thank God we've got to win. I'm travelling over there on Tuesday. Now I can go to America with three points in the bag. I had to decide which group games to go for and picked games two and three. My credit card is melted but it'll be worth it."
Local man Alex McCulloch watched the nail-biting victory at the pub. He said: "Happy with the victory. Top of the group. Our tactics paid off in terms of keeping it tight and not losing a goal. We didn't play with our usual amount of chances but that will come with the next game. I've bet on us to top the group, so we're in the right position just now. If we stay there, I'll win a few quid. I think we can take points off both Brazil and Morocco, Stevie will do what he needs to do. If you watched the Brazil Morocco game, you'll see they're not all they are cracked up to be, either of them, and we've done the job tonight, not playing as well as we can play, and that doesn't usually happen in too many games in a row."
Andrew Mundy said: "My heart rate has just about finally gone down, and I'm relieved and delighted after that. Three points is fantastic, and I'm going to forget about the last two hours of my life because you know, it's the first win in the World Cup since six years before I was born. We got three points. We're almost qualified out of the group after just the first game. I'm stressed right now, but I'm happy. I'm really happy. Now, I think the pressure's off. That was a horrible game. I think now we've nothing to lose. We've won that game. If we get a draw, either next two games, it'll be amazing. And I think we can do it."
Jackie Boyle commented: "Paddy Boyle, my son, once played for the under 21s Scotland team. It was all nerves during that game, but I thought we would win. I never thought that we would lose. The relief was palpable though, you feel just washed out, especially as it's four o'clock in the morning." Rachael Fossey said: "What a game. What an atmosphere. It's been a good kind of reminder of what we can do. I think we're in a good space. I think if we can draw against Morocco and then we'll see against Brazil. But I'm positive. I think we can carry the moment forward."
