On an icy-cold Sunday at the national stadium, a group of Scottish coaches listened intently to the tips of a former Brazilian World Cup winner.
Carlos Alberto Parreira led Brazil to World Cup glory in 1994.
The 65-year-old, who until recently was coach of World Cup 2010 host nation South Africa, was at Hampden to pass on his advice to managers and coaches.
"I'm praying Scotland qualify for the finals because it's the top tournament," he told BBC Sport.
Parreira knows how to react under pressure. When he took the reins at Brazil ahead of the 1994 World Cup, the country had not lifted the trophy since 1970.
Victory over Italy in a tense penalty shootout ensured he would hear the nation's applause and acclaim ringing in his ears long after the final.
Parreira has coached Ghana and taken Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to the World Cup.
He also returned to coach Brazil for a second spell at the 2006 finals in Germany.
I like Scottish football and I'm praying that they qualify because it's the top tournament
Carlos Alberto Parreira
"I was invited here by the Scottish FA through Jim Fleeting," he said over a cup of tea.
"It followed a speech I gave at Uefa in September about how to prepare for a World Cup and they liked it.
"So, they invited me, not only to repeat the lecture, but also to deliver one about Brazilian football."
Parreira added: "I get on really well with Scottish people and am friends with many of them. I worked with Andy Roxburgh for many years and also know former Scotland manager Craig Brown.
"So, it's a pleasure just to come here to talk to them. If any of the Scottish coaches go home and take something from it, then I'm happy."
Scottish FA chief executive Gordon Smith said Parreira's visit was part of the SFA's aims to develop football in the country.
"It's good to get ideas from someone who's won something at the very top," he said.
"We've had Marcello Lippi here at Hampden and to get Carlos Parreira here too is a fantastic achievement.
"The couple of managers I've spoken to today are very excited about and enjoyed chatting with Carlos. It's been good for the Scottish game."
While Scotland face an uphill battle to secure qualification for the finals in South Africa, the host nation is facing criticism that its 10 stadiums and infrastructure will not be ready in time.
However, Parreira, who coached South Africa for 16 months from 2006, rejected the concerns.
"You know, I will repeat what the officials in charge of the tournament have said. South Africa will deliver; do not worry. The country is beautiful, rich and the stadiums will be good.
"The infrastructure will be good. People will not be disappointed and the finals will have an African flavour."
So who does Parreira believe will win the World Cup?
"It's always difficult to predict," he said. "I believe that the best team in Europe is Spain.
"But, when you look at the tradition of Italy, Germany and now England - picking up with Fabio Capello - and Brazil and Argentina, those are the tops teams who can make an impact at the World Cup.
"They have the best chance of winning."
So hopes of a Scotland v Brazil final are wide of the mark?
"Who knows," he laughed. "I like Scottish football and I'm praying that they qualify because it's the top tournament.
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