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Scotland’s men’s football team has secured a place at the World Cup for the first time since 1998, sparking excitement among supporters who are already making their travel plans for next summer. The team, under the management of Steve Clarke, earned their spot in the global tournament with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Denmark. The goals, scored by Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland, Kieran Tierney, and Kenny McLean, have ensured that the famous Tartan Army will be heading to venues across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Travel specialists suggest that fans start investigating potential routes now, even though the official draw for the competition is still weeks away.
For those fortunate to witness the match at Hampden Stadium, the experience was profoundly moving. Scotland fan Hamish Husband described the scene vividly to BBC Radio Scotland’s Lunchtime Live: “I was crying, I was weeping, I looked around at other people crying.” His son, Elliott, also shared his emotions, saying, “I’m still struggling to comprehend it. My voice is gone since the fourth one went in. The stars really aligned, didn’t they?” Outside of the stadium, many supporters have begun preliminary planning for the trip across the Atlantic. With the World Cup to be staged in 16 different host cities across three countries, the exact locations Scotland will visit remain unknown until the group stage draw on 5 December. Simon Calder, travel correspondent for the Independent, encouraged early planning, noting that flight and accommodation costs are expected to soar following the draw.
The long-awaited return to the World Cup stage marks the end of a 28-year wait since Scotland last appeared in the 1998 tournament held in France. Interestingly, several players on the current squad—such as Aaron Hickey, Lewis Ferguson, and Ben Gannon-Doak—were not yet born when Scotland was last in the finals. Darren Jackson, who played in the 3-0 defeat by Morocco in the ’98 World Cup, praised the present team’s commitment, calling it “beyond belief” and describing the night as “incredible.” Among the celebrations are heartfelt memories from fans like James Mcilkenny, who, having lived in Paris during the 1998 World Cup, recalled the experience of being in the midst of the Tartan Army. He remarked, “Last night at Hampden was something that I don’t think I’ll ever experience again. It was an emotional rollercoaster and after witnessing so many heartaches in the past, this felt so incredibly special.”
There has been a strong reaction from politicians and the public alike, with calls to honor manager Steve Clarke for his achievements. Suggestions include knighting Clarke, granting pubs special late-night licenses, and even declaring a public holiday on the day of Scotland’s opening match. The team’s spectacular performance, including memorable goals like McTominay’s overhead kick, Tierney’s precise shot, and McLean’s stunning goal from inside his own half, has drawn comparisons with some of Scotland’s most famous World Cup moments. John Collins, a former player and Scotland international, expressed his admiration, saying, “You’ll never watch another game and see three fantastic goals like that” and praised the squad’s spirit and determination. As the tournament approaches, Scotland and its fans celebrate a remarkable achievement, looking ahead to their first appearance on football’s biggest stage in nearly three decades
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