Scotland can do nothing more now but wait.

After three group matches and an unforgettable return to football’s biggest stage for the first time in 28 years, Steve Clarke’s side must now rely on results elsewhere to discover whether their World Cup journey will continue.

It is an unfamiliar position that has supporters across the country checking fixtures, studying tables and hoping that the final pieces of the World Cup puzzle fall Scotland’s way.

Regardless of what happens over the coming hours, the national team has already given Scotland memories that will last a lifetime.

For an entire generation of supporters, this has been their first opportunity to experience Scotland at a World Cup, while those who waited almost three decades to see the team return have watched their country once again compete on football’s biggest stage.

Across the Highlands and throughout Scotland, homes, pubs, clubs and community halls have filled with supporters determined to savour every moment, while thousands of members of the Tartan Army have travelled across North America to cheer the team on.

First Minister John Swinney praised both the players and the travelling support, saying Scotland had every reason to be proud.

He said:

“I know, like me, the people of Scotland are proud of the team’s incredible achievement of reaching the World Cup finals and the way they have represented our country throughout the tournament.

“While the result is not what we had hoped for, Scotland’s World Cup journey may not yet be over and qualification for the knockout stages is still possible.

“Steve Clarke and the players should be proud of leading Scotland back to the World Cup after 28 years.

“I know this team has the character and determination to give everything should they qualify and the whole country is right behind them.

“The Tartan Army have been brilliant ambassadors for Scotland in Boston and Miami.

“They have captured the hearts of people across North America and shown the world the very best of our country.

“The pride and passion felt by Scots around the world throughout this tournament is something we will remember for the rest of our lives. Both the squad and the fans have done their country proud.”

For now, there are no more matches to play and no more points to win.

There is only the wait.

Whether Scotland’s remarkable return to the World Cup ends here or continues into the knockout stages, the team has reminded the country what it feels like to dream again, and supporters everywhere will be hoping there is still one more chapter left to write.