After suffering a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Morocco last time out, Scotland have got the small task of facing Brazil on what could be a historic night for Steve Clarke’s men.
How Scotland can qualify and who they could face in World Cup RO32
As things stand, a draw will be enough for the Tartan Army to continue their World Cup tour, but that’s not the only route. Even if Brazil defeat Scotland, Clarke’s side can advance as one of the best third-place teams as long as they avoid shipping a hefty amount of goals and other results go their way,
|
World Cup third-place table |
Points |
Games |
Goal difference |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sweden |
3 |
2 |
0 |
|
Scotland |
3 |
2 |
0 |
|
Croatia |
3 |
2 |
-1 |
|
Algeria |
3 |
2 |
-2 |
|
Cape Verde |
2 |
2 |
0 |
|
Belgium |
2 |
2 |
0 |
|
Czechia |
1 |
2 |
-1 |
|
DR Congo |
1 |
2 |
-1 |
|
Ecuador |
1 |
2 |
-1 |
|
Bosnia and Herzegovina |
1 |
2 |
-3 |
|
Senegal |
0 |
2 |
-3 |
The top eight third-place teams will advance to the last 32, leaving Scotland in good stead ahead of the Brazil game. Should they advance through that route, however, things could become slightly tougher.
The Tartan Army will face, as things stand, Mexico, Germany or France in an incredibly tough draw. Whilst, on the flip side, they will likely face the Netherlands if they finish second in the group.
Alas, before anything can happen, Scotland have got to navigate a game against one of the best countries at the World Cup, and Kenny Miller has backed Clarke to make one surprising change.
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Miller backs Clarke to play Scotland star in new role
Speaking to Football FanCast in association with BetGoodwin, former Scotland striker Miller backed Clarke to make some personnel changes against Brazil.
However, he believes the manager will not change his system, meaning the introduction of Ben Gannon-Doak from the start will have to come in a brand new role.
“Does Scot McKenna come in? When you see the goal we conceded (against Morocco) with the ball over the top not defended very well, Scott brings a bit of speed and can cover that space a bit better.
“I think there will be a few personnel changes, I think that’s a natural thing in a tournament like this. Maybe in the CB, maybe in midfield, because I think if Gannon-Doak does definitely come in then he starts in maybe the striker role.”
Of course, the benefit of Gannon-Doak is his speed in behind, even if he has never played up front before.
Against a Brazil side who will have the majority of possession, it’s easy to see why Miller wants the ex-Celtic youngster keeping the Brazilian backline on their toes, leading counter-attacks and stretching the last line.
With history awaiting, Scotland have their fate in their own hands and look destined to continue their World Cup journey in the knockout stage.
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