Scotland on 'brink of history' ahead of Brazil World Cup tie

Scotland fans say they feel like their team is on the "brink of history" as the national side prepares to meet Brazil in a vital World Cup clash. Tens of thousands of members of the Tartan Army have travelled to Miami for the match, which will help determine whether the men's team qualify for the next round of the competition. Supporters across Scotland will also be tuning in for the game, which is being shown on the BBC.

If the team win or draw against five-time world champions Brazil, they will all but secure their place in the knock-out stages of the tournament for the first time ever.

Fans' hopes and spreadsheets

At South Beach in Miami, Stevie Parker from Larbert told BBC Scotland News: "I think they will do it. It feels like we are on the brink of history. I think this is the year we might just scrape over the line. It'll be a historic day and the perfect end to a long arduous trip for the Tartan Army."

While fans have been in party mode for the last few days and weeks, there is a sense that some are now starting to crunch the numbers. "I've got my spreadsheets out every day. We're not counting our chickens yet, but I feel like we should be ok," said Brian Guthrie from Inverness. "I phoned in sick to be here, I'll be gutted not to go on. I'd love to go to Mexico City and the spreadsheet says it could happen."

A chance to rewrite history

For Ewen MacDonald, from Machrihanish in Argyll and Bute, the match is also a chance to rewrite history. The 44-year-old celebrated his birthday in Miami on Tuesday, exactly 28 years after watching Scotland's 3-0 defeat to Morocco on his 16th birthday – a result that ended the nation's World Cup hopes in France 1998. That campaign also featured a defeat to Brazil, the side Scotland face later. The parallels have not been lost on Ewen.

Scotland were beaten by Morocco on 23 June in 1998, and again last weekend. But with Brazil next up, Ewen hopes this Scotland side can succeed where their predecessors fell short and finally change the script. "It could be one of the best days of my life. I just can't wait," he said. "It's my birthday. On my 16th birthday, I watched Scotland lose 3-0 to Morocco and get put out. I'd love to see Scotland win at a World Cup. It would make my birthday and all my dreams come true."

How to watch and economic impact

Back home, you will be able to watch the game live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Kick-off in Miami Stadium is at 23:00 BST. A number of large music venues, like the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, will be showing the game on large screens. Scores of smaller venues – like tennis and rugby clubs – are also set to host watch parties.

Extensions to licensing rules have been approved by nearly all Scottish councils, allowing pubs and clubs to stay open to show the games beyond normal closing times. The Scottish Beer and Pub Association has estimated that Scotland's group games could generate an additional £7m for pubs and bars.

Qualification scenarios

Will Scotland qualify for the next round? Steve Clarke's team currently sit on three points after the first two group games. A win over Brazil would guarantee a place in the next round, while a draw would all but secure qualification for the first time in Scotland's history. A defeat would not end the team's chances, but they will then be reliant on results in the other group matches going their way.

Fans will then be glued to the table showing the best third-placed teams, hoping that Scotland can remain among the top eight sides who will progress. They might have to wait until all the group games finish on 27 June to know if Scotland are through – before facing a scramble to get to Boston, New Jersey or Mexico City for a match in the last 32.