Scotland: How does it feel to play in the World Cup?

BBC Sport Scotland called on 1998 World Cup squad members Darren Jackson and Paul Lambert, as well as Rachel Corsi, the last player to captain Scotland to a 2019 women’s final, to enlighten and excite us.

All three said it was “surreal”.

Lambert and Corsi explained the build-up – where fans are frantically booking planes, trains and automobiles – as perhaps the most “stressful” part of the qualifying process.

“Like you, I want to be in the best shape of my life,” said Scotland captain Corsi in France seven years ago.

“I don’t want to get injured, I want to be selected, I want to play for my club, there are so many things you think about and you just think, I want us to get there.”

“It feels like an endless build-up,” Lambert added.

“Then, when you get selected, that’s when it really sinks in that you know this summer could be the best tournament for the national team. It’s the best tournament.”

For Jackson, who didn’t make his international debut until he was 28, said it wasn’t until he lined up at the Stade de France in the tournament opener against Brazil that things started to feel real.

“When you’re standing in the tunnel and the guy standing next to you is Ronaldo, reality sets in,” he explained.

Add Rivaldo, Dunga, Roberto Carlos, Cafu and the rest and you’ve got a point, Darren. Gulp