Scotland to beat World Champions?

I don't think I've witnessed so much hype and expectation for a football match since Scotland went to the 1978 Argentina World Cup ... not a good precedent :-(

I really hope that Scotland beat Italy later today - but whatever the result ... why do we go through this ridiculous ritual of over-inflated expectations that must put huge pressure on all those concerned with the 'actual game'? :-((

Anyhow, cross your fingers ... I think they'll need all the luck they can get later this afternoon.