The Tartan Army crossed an ocean and became the story, showing confidence, imagination and belonging that the team itself seemed to lack. What if Scotland has not failed to produce greatness at all, but simply taught its young people to seek it in the stands?

Scotland are back at a World Cup, but the old problems remain: fear, technical limitations and a system that keeps mistaking reviews for reform. Why does a nation this obsessed with football remain so poor at producing tournament-ready players?