First Scotland fan-funded display at Hampden ahead of Ukraine World Cup play-off
More than £10,000 has been raised by Scotland supporters for a display at Hampden.
Last updated 31st May 2022
More than £10,000 has been raised by Scotland fans, for a display at Hampden, ahead of their World Cup play-off semi final against Ukraine.
Supporters sitting in the North Stand on Wednesday night will be given flags to wave ahead of kick off.
Organiser Laura Brannan told Clyde 1: "It'll be the angle the TV cameras look on to, and it'll be the first thing the players see when they walk out the tunnel.
"We just want to make as much noise and as much colour as possible, and add to what will already be an amazing atmosphere.
"We want to show the players what it means to us."
"This is a huge game, and it's about adding that sense of occasion."
The organisers are remaining tight-lipped about what the display will be, but say it will not be a Ukraine flag.
Laura added: "Anything before has been something that the Scottish FA have paid for, or sponsors have paid for, but this is fans putting hands in their own pockets.
"I think that makes it even more special, because it shows there's an appetite to grow this."
Any extra money raised is being donated to the Tartan Army Sunshine Appeal.
Scotland's World Cup dream
If Scotland can overcome Ukraine and then Wales in the final in Cardiff, they'll book a place at the Qatar tournament later this year.
National team coach Steven Naismith highlighted the dangers of Ukraine - whose preparations have been disrupted by the turmoil caused by the invasion of the country by Russia - but believes a long-awaited World Cup spot is within Scotland's grasp.
The Scotland coach said: ""We are so close to making more history.
"Over the last two years we have been fortunate, we have had a great team.
"That great team is two years more experienced, the players have progressed at club level in those two years and hopefully we can take the first steps to get to a World Cup.
"I am definitely confident we can go into these two games and get the results we need."
Whilst sharing in the sympathy for Ukraine's situation, Naismith is concentrating on a game which promises so much to both teams.
The former Scotland forward said: "Both managers have said it, the focus has to be on the football and the spectacle it should be.
"That's how we have seen it and the desire to get to a World Cup overrides everything in terms of the football side of things.
"You want to go out, you want to be competitive.
"Everybody involved in getting to this point and getting the fixture played has done everything right and made the right choices to give everybody the best chance, but the focus now can be on the pitch.
"I expect the fans to be electric in the stadium and then it is about being confident and getting the win."
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