Scotland fans prepare for world cup draw | UK News

When Kenny McLean’s half-way line howitzer found the back of the Denmark net at Hampden last month to seal Scotland’s place at next year’s World Cup, a nation rejoiced in unison.

The national team were once again on a journey to the biggest party world sport has to offer.

Part of that journey and part of the fun, of course, is finding out where, when and who. This weekend in Washington we will get the answers.

Inside the Kennedy Centre we’ll have a gathering of footballing royalty, a speech from president Trump and even a performance from the Village People but forget the side-show, Scotland fans’ eyes will be firmly fixed on pot number three.

This World Cup is the biggest ever in terms of geographical spread and the amount of teams competing.

Three host countries, 16 cities and 48 nations represented. It’s international football on a mammoth scale and with it comes mouth-watering permutations and possibilities.

Maybe Steve Clarke’s side will draw hosts Mexico and kick the party off with the first game of the tournament at the world famous Azteca stadium in Mexico City.

Perhaps they’ll find themselves in a favourable group.

Canada, Australia and Curacao is possible but then again so too is Brazil, Morocco and Italy.

Everyone has their own version of a dream scenario and a dreaded group of death. That’s all part of the pre-draw fun.

Scotland may well have enjoyed some fortune in qualifying but if they can find some form, there’s no reason not to be optimistic about passage past the group stage.

In a four-team group, the top two make the knock-out stage automatically and even third from eight of the 12 groups will be enough. It basically means one win and you’re through.

As well as favoured teams, fans will also have desired destinations.

Could it be the west coast? San Francisco, LA, Seattle and Vancouver await if it is. On the east coast ex pats will come out in numbers if it’s New York, Boston and Toronto.

The other option is no less enticing. How about the heat of Guadilijara and Monterey or downtown Dallas and Kansas. What isn’t in doubt is that wherever Scotland end up, there will be a party.

It’ll be an expensive one though.

An estimated 200,000 Scotland fans made their memories and left their mark at the Euros in Germany last year but this will feel very different.

There will be no last-minute decisions to hire a bus and grab a ferry – no cheap day flights to soak up the atmosphere. This one will take planning and deep pockets.

Those determined to secure a ticket could find themselves paying more than their return flight.

Governing body Fifa have come under fire for their pricing policy that many believe makes the tournament untouchable to the average fan.

Those who run the game argue that market forces dictate and that all the money raised goes back into the game.

Fifa is estimated to raise revenues of about $13bn in a three-year cycle that ends after the tournament.

Most will watch it all unfold at home. Those who don’t travel will be no less interested in what happens in the US capital this weekend though.

When Scotland’s name is pulled from pot 3, with the world watching on, at home there will be pride and excitement in equal measure.

“Bring it on” will be the cry – Scotland are back.