BOSTON, June 20 -- What was meant to be a dream World Cup night for one lifelong Scotland supporter instead became a moment of collective remembrance, as thousands of Tartan Army fans paused to honour him after his sudden death here.

Donny Strathie, 76, had travelled to the United States for what was to be his first-ever World Cup match, arriving full of excitement and anticipation for Scotland's clash against Morocco.

Friends described him as a devoted football follower who could recall scorers, minutes and matches stretching back decades, with a memory built on a lifetime of watching the game he loved.

"He's been like a kid on Christmas Eve since we booked it. So excited to finally get to the World Cup and see Scotland," friend Marti...