The great paradox of Scotland’s World Cup. The fans, superb. The team? Dismal | Ewan Murray

A mess against Brazil, Steve Clarke’s side are in purgatory, hanging around as a faint hope of a place in the last 32 lives on

The sad thing is that in a matter of weeks, this will all have been ­forgotten. The intensely tribal nature of Scotland’s football domain means that a new domestic campaign will lead to scratching, swearing and ­howling that will dominate for months on end. Some may argue it will be wise to banish thoughts of Scotland’s participation in this World Cup. It should serve as a much-needed line in the sporting sand.

The psychological, societal and commercial benefits to Scotland have been borne out in recent weeks. Not only has the tournament captured hearts and minds in Scotland, but the Tartan Army has done likewise across the United States.