'It's all they're talking about': Scotland gripped by World Cup fever

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. 'It's all they're talking about': Scotland gripped by World Cup fever45 minutes ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleJonathan GeddesBBC ScotlandPA MediaScotland fans have waited 28 years for a return to the World Cup Seconds after Kenny McLean's shot from the halfway line hit the back of the Danish net last November, Andy Munro's children asked him a question. "Why are so many people crying? "The Ayrshire dad-of-three may have had a few tears to wipe away himself, and he wasn't the only one.

Scotland's 4-2 victory over Denmark booked the first World Cup appearance in 28 years for the men's national team and unleased waves of emotion across the country. Eight months later, and as Scotland prepare to face Haiti in the early hours of Sunday, feverish anticipation appears to be taking hold. From parties of thousands watching in large arenas to school kids setting alarms for the 02:00 BST kick-off, excitement, nerves and dreams linger on every street.

The Details

Lucy McEwan plays with Linlithgow Rose and cannot wait for Scotland's gamesLucy McEwan is a 25-year-old teacher in Glasgow, who plays at amateur level with Linlithgow Rose. "People don't really get behind the World Cup unless your country's involved in it, and for the first time in a lot of people's lives we are involved in it," she says. "I think everybody's super, super excited.

You can see the kids are so hyped up as well about it. "Our department actually got the FIFA Panini sticker book this year, and all the kids are coming in, trading their stickers with us. "Everyone just seems so excited about it.

"Munro FamilyAndy Munro and his sons are football daftLucy says she will be staying up for every game Scotland play, meaning her classes might have a bleary-eyed teacher on Thursday 25 June - the day after Scotland play Brazil in their final Group C match, with a 23:00 kick off. Many pupils might have the same issues too. Andy Munro lives in Dunlop, Ayrshire, and has three children - Harry, 14, Keir, 12 and Adam, 10.

What Experts Say

All three boys are football fans who worship John McGinn, and none have seen the men's team take part in a World Cup. "The timing of the Haiti game is causing some challenges, " he laughs. "I think we will go to bed about eight, and then wake up around half one to watch the game - and then the boys are all playing football on Sunday morning too.

So we will see how it goes. "It's all they're talking about. "In Peterhead, pupils at Clerkhill School have made their own World Cup song, written by teacher Diane Pert - who says she put aside her jealousy at having to work while her husband flies to America for the games.

They aren't the only ones feeling musical - dozens of singers and bands have released songs to try and capture the national mood. Signs of excitement are everywhere, and not just in the obvious pubs and supermarkets. Chip shops and hairdressers in Glasgow's Anniesland have Saltires draped across windows, banks in Dumfries have inflatable footballs stuck on walls next to cash machines.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.