And so to the much anticipated World Cup, which after Scotland’s long wait of 28 years, starts for us in less than 24 hours.

I realise for some people this is a new experience and it is eagerly awaited. That euphoria of the qualification night was perhaps justified. There were three memorable goals (plus a scrappy one.)

However there was a sense of unreality about it all. It was the most surreal qualifying campaign I can recall. The 0-0 draw in the first game at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen was deserved – in fact we might have snatched a win. But the wins against Belarus – both of them – were nervy affairs and we were maybe lucky not to drop two points against them at home. As for the home game versus Greece, we were never in it. How we managed to score three is beyond me. And Greece were way better than us for most of the away game. Indeed there is an argument that says Greece were actually the best side in our group. Belarus getting a draw at the Parken saved our bacon and set up the decider versus Denmark. Even on that night they got back to 2-2 and if they hadn’t had a man sent off…. But they did and so here we are.

I must admit it was a professional performance against Curaçao in the Hampden warm-up friendly (again helped by a red card for the opposition) and the one in the States versus Bolivia was simply very unScottish in its efficiency. I was left wondering just how good – or should that be bad? – Bolivia are.

The game against Haiti gives me the fear. These are the sorts of matches where we traditionally fall down. I’ll not be watching it live, it’s too late at night. I’ll take a win – any kind of win – though, and hope that would be enough to take into the knockouts, which really will be something to celebrate. No matter what, points gained versus Morocco or Brazil will be a bonus. We can hope.

However, those of us who are long in the tooth fear we know how this ends. With Scotland it’s usually in tears.