This was the scene in the Boston fan zone as the Tartan Army watched tonight’s match with the English. Supporters from south of the border have been arriving in the city today ahead of their match against Ghana in the city on Tuesday.
Tens of thousands of Scots are already based here following our 1-0 win against Haiti at the Gillette Stadium, with our match against Morocco taking place at the same stadium on Friday.
Despite the two sets of rival supporters being situated in the same city, everything has been friendly so far today. There has been some friendly banter, including some booing as fans in England tops passed Hennessey’s Bar on Union Street, but everything so far has been light-hearted.
At 4pm local time as England’s match against Croatia kicked off, fans from both countries flooded into the huge fan zone at the city hall. Some kilted Scots were even wearing Croatia tops and there were jubilant cheers as Harry Kane’s early penalty was saved.
But they were soon left red faced as the ref ordered the spot kick to be retaken, with Kane this time hitting the back of the net. The Tartan Army were cheering once again as Martin Baturina levelled the scoring before Kane quickly headed England back into the lead.
View 2 ImagesScotland fan Chris McCall, 43, and partner Amy, 43, live in Paisley after meeting on holiday over 20 years ago(Image: Reach PLC)
But the Scots were looking smug before the break as Peter Musa netted for the Croatians right on the stroke of half time.
During the half time entertainment, though, the Tartan Army were singing with England fans as the whole crowd belted out a rendition of Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline’.
Scotland fan Chris McCall, 43, a director from Paisley, was watching with his England supporting wife Amy, 43, who is originally a cafe owner, originally from Southampton. The pair met on holiday 21 years ago on holiday and now live in Paisley.
Chris said: “We travelled over on Friday and we are going to the Morocco game together – and so it was only fair I got dragged out to watch this today! We live in Scotland now, so she’s more Scottish than I am English!
“Loads of England fans arrived today but the atmosphere has still been brilliant. Everyone has been getting along.”
Amy added: “It’s been great. There’s more England fans here that I thought there would be. I’ll still be at the match on Friday supporting Scotland, though!”
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Elsewhere in the city there were nice scenes as Scotland fans spoke to an England-supporting dad and his little boy. They high-fived and shared a joke before going on their way.