Reilly’s praise is rooted in more than noise or numbers. She describes a support base built around belonging, colour and shared experience.
“ O esporte cria camaradagem, e acho fantástico ver todo mundo junto. Ver as bandeiras e as crianças entrando nisso”, she said.
The report says Reilly sees Scottish supporters as a family, with generations travelling together and creating an atmosphere that reaches beyond the stadium. She also acknowledges the spectacle offered by Brazilian and South American fans, but believes Scotland brings something distinct: relentless commitment mixed with joy.
“A Tartan Army é conhecida no mundo todo por ser divertida”, Reilly added.
That reputation could make Scotland’s return feel like a celebration in its own right, regardless of how far the team progresses.
Reilly’s perspective carries particular weight because her own career began when opportunities for women in football were scarce. The report recalls how she played in a boys’ team as a child and later left Scotland as a teenager to pursue the professional future that was largely unavailable at home.
Her journey took her to Italy, where she played for AC Milan and represented the Italian national team. She also won major honours and individual recognition, helping establish a path for generations of women who followed.
The report says Reilly will be supporting Scotland, while also holding affection for Argentina in memory of her late husband, Roberto. It is a personal connection that adds another layer to an already emotional tournament.
The next test will be whether Scotland can match the energy of its supporters on the pitch. If the team does, Reilly’s prediction may prove accurate: the Tartan Army could help make the country’s long-awaited return one of the World Cup’s great stories.