sports
Tartan Army Fans Arrive in Miami Ahead of Scotland's Match Against Brazil
Thousands of Scotland supporters reached Miami ahead of their final group stage game on Wednesday. They are adjusting to higher temperatures and a more dispersed atmosphere after several days in Boston. Scotland holds three points and can secure advancement with a win over Brazil.
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Thousands of Tartan Army members reached Miami, Florida, ahead of Scotland's final group stage match against Brazil on Wednesday, BBC News reported. Temperatures reached just below 35 degrees Celsius on Monday, with the heat index making conditions feel around 43 degrees. After creating a concentrated "mini-Scotland" presence in Boston bars and landmarks, supporters found Miami more spread out.
Bars along Ocean Drive filled with fans, while others joined boat trips or stayed in surrounding areas alongside local Brazilian and Argentine supporters. Brothers Peter and Tom McKenna from the Isle of Man, who traveled from Boston, noted the shift. Peter McKenna said Boston felt like a big party in a smaller city, while Miami residents were accustomed to large visitor numbers.
The pair have been away from home for nearly two weeks. Father and son Pete and Jamie Brown arrived directly in Miami. Pete Brown said the trip had always been planned for Miami because of prior visits and the chance to bring his son.
Dave Robertson from Montrose, who came from Massachusetts, expected to be outnumbered by Brazilian fans but anticipated a strong atmosphere when Scotland supporters gathered. Thousands of fans marched from Little Havana to the Miami Marlins baseball stadium. Local residents joined the procession and cheered from gardens.
Steven Baird from Peterhead observed stricter policing than in Boston, including a warning against placing a cone on a statue and a reprimand for jaywalking. Scotland sits on three points after a 1-0 win over Haiti. Under the 48-team format, the top two teams per group advance along with the eight best third-place sides.
