From Boston to Miami: How the Tartan Army lit up the World Cup

In the Bayfront Park fan zone afterwards, the Scotland supporters swapped shirts with their Brazilian rivals but the sense of disappointment was palpable.

At one stage they had been studying the knockout possibilities – from a return to Boston to face Germany to a clash with Mexico in the co-host’s legendary Azteca stadium.

But having spent thousands to travel across the world, they only got to witness Scotland’s 13th major tournament exit at the group stage.

It’s an unenviable record across nine World Cups and four European Championships.

Indeed, no team has been to as many tournaments and failed to progress to the sudden death rounds.

While many fans made the most of their remaining time in Miami, there was a real sense of an anti-climax after the crushing Brazil defeat.

This only intensified as the results needed to progress in the remaining 20 group games failed to materialise.

As the final foot soldiers prepare to head home, they can reflect on a performance that, from Boston to Miami – and several stops in between – did Scotland proud.

We may not be world-beaters on the pitch but the Tartan Army proved, once again, that they are in a league of their own.