Bagpipes have been playing in Boston for days, and Scotland fans have occupied local pubs awaiting the World Cup debut in America against Haiti (3 a.m. at Gillette Stadium).
Scotland is returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, while the Caribbean team is making only their second appearance at the World Cup, and their first since 1974.
Neither one nor the other they have never made it past the group stage - the expansion of the World Cup and the change in format now makes that privilege more accessible. Is it time?
- I have fantastic problems when it comes to choosing a starting lineup - said Scotland coach Steve Clarke, pleased with the form of his players.
"Nobody is relaxed about Haiti, but this is an opportunity to start the tournament well. When you look at the group, it's probably the easiest game on paper," added Bormute midfielder Ryan Christie.
Also in Group C are Brazil and Morocco. When they last played at the World Cup, in 1998, the Scots were in a similar group - with Brazil and Morocco, except instead of Haiti they had Norway.
At the opening match of the World Cup in Paris, they lost to Brazil 2:1, and the Moroccans gave them an even bigger "portion" (3:0), so they had to return home after the first phase.
They are now hoping for a completely different epilogue, but before new duels with the Brazilians and Moroccans, it is desirable for them to beat Haiti.
It won't be easy, because the Caribbean team is not new. Neither on the field - coach Sebastien Migne is counting on players with experience in English football, such as Jean-Ricner Belgar from Wolverhampton and Wilson Isidore from Sunderland; nor in the stands - Boston is home to one of the largest Haitian communities in the United States.
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