From Boston to Miami: Tartan Army adjusts to World Cup culture shock

Scotland fans have arrived in American's Sunshine State in their thousands, braving extremely hot temperatures.

Tartan Army members have started to descend on the Florida city ahead of Wednesday's last group stage match against Brazil.

Temperatures hit just below 35 degrees on Monday, the heat index meant it felt even hotter, around 43 degrees.

After days of soaking up the World Cup atmosphere in Boston, fans have arrived in a city that couldn't feel more different.

In Boston, Scotland supporters dominated many of the city's bars and landmarks, creating a "mini-Scotland" atmosphere.

In Miami, the Tartan Army is spread across a much larger area, making the invasion less obvious.

Bars on the world-famous Ocean Drive have been filling up with Scotland fans, while others take advantage of boat trips along the coastline or staying in surrounding areas.

They are also sharing the city with a sizeable Latino community, meaning there are lots of Brazil and Argentina fans in town.

If Boston was Scotland's home from home, fans are now in football's South American heartland.

Near Miami's South Beach, brothers Peter and Tom McKenna from the Isle of Man said the "vibe" between the city's is completely different.

Peter said: "Boston is much smaller, Scotland was having a big party over there. It's a different type of city.

"I think Boston was surprised by all the visitors, where as they are used to it here."

The brothers have been away for nearly two weeks, and while Peter will be returning home to his kids no matter the result on Wednesday, Tom is considering "opening a can of worms" to extend his stay.

Nearby, father and son Pete and Jamie Brown are fresh off the plane and just beginning their World Cup journey.

Pete said: "We were sitting at home last week, so proud of the Tartan Army.

"It was always Miami for us, I've been here for the Superbowl before, I love it so I knew if there was ever the opportunity to bring my son I'd be here.

"It's the glamour tie, isn't it?".

Son Jamie added: "I think Boston would've felt more like a football trip, where as this feels like a holiday with a football game during it."

Dave Robertson from Montrose has also made the journey from Massachusetts to Florida. He told BBC Scotland News this would be a different experience for Scotland fans.

"I think we'll be outnumbered this time," he said.

"The way the Brazilians dress up, they take it to a whole new level. There will still be a terrific atmosphere when we are together."

It had looked like Dave was going to be right.

That was until thousands of Tartan Army members gathered in Little Havana in the south of the city and marched to the home of the Miami Marlins baseball team.

There has been concerns Miami locals wouldn't take to the Tartan Army as well as Bostonians did.

This wasn't evident at the march. Americans walked alongside the Scotland fans, while people stood in their front gardens cheering them on.

One local, wearing a traffic cone hat was overheard saying he was "totally bummed" his kilt didn't arrive in time.

There were also concerns about the differences in approaches by the different police forces.

In Boston, fans were allowed to drink in the street and put cones on statues.

But just a few days into Scotland's Miami adventure, a video was released showing Miami cops telling a man to remove a cone he'd placed on a statue as he "wasn't in Boston anymore".

"It was more happy-go-lucky. The police were happy to have us, you could do no wrong," said Steven Baird from Peterhead.

"I think here they might be a bit more strict. I got shouted at for jaywalking here."

Steven had been based in Providence, Rhode Island, but said Wednesday would be his last World Cup match ever.

"This is my third World Cup, so by virtue of my age, it'll be my last.

"Of course it's a good place to finish, it's too hot for the likes of me. I'd prefer to be playing somewhere cold like Norway."

So while it seems like the vast majority of fans in Miami are focused on Wednesday's game, others are starting to look towards the knockout stages.

Steve Clarke's side are currently on three points after beating Haiti 1-0 in the first game.

Under the expanded 48-team format, the top two teams in each group will qualify for the last 32, alongside the eight best third-place teams.

Scotland are currently the second ranked third place team, behind Sweden.

A win over Brazil would guarantee Scotland a place in the next round.

A draw would leave Scotland on four points and in a good place to qualify, and even losing to Brazil wouldn't end their chances, depending on results elsewhere.

If they finish third in Group C, they will have to wait until all the group games finish on 27 June to know their fate.

There could then be a scramble for Scotland fans to get to Boston, New Jersey or Mexico City as the World Cup adventure continues.