Scotland’s hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stage are hanging by a thread after a damaging set of results elsewhere on Thursday night.
Steve Clarke’s side, who finished third in Group C with three points and a goal difference of -3 following their 3-0 defeat to Brazil in Miami, returned to their Charlotte base relying on favourable outcomes across the remaining groups.
Instead, several key results went against them.
Read more
-
Brazil slammed for allowing 'very limited' Scotland the majority of possession
-
Popular ESPN duo insist Scotland 'don't deserve' World Cup qualification
-
John McGinn admits Scotland need a ‘miracle’ after Brazil defeat
Ecuador’s 2-1 comeback win over Germany in New York lifted them onto four points, while Sweden and Paraguay also moved to four points after draws with Japan and Australia, respectively.
Those outcomes leave Scotland languishing eighth in the third-place rankings with six groups still to conclude.
As it stands, Scotland’s chances of progressing to the last 32 for the first time have dropped below 10 per cent, with elimination a very real prospect in the coming days.
With that in mind, this is what Clarke and his team need to prolong their American Dream...
What Scotland need to qualify
In Group I, the key match is Senegal versus Iraq. A draw is the only favourable outcome for Scotland, while a win for either side could see them leapfrog Scotland.
Group H hinges on Spain beating Uruguay. Any result that sees Uruguay avoid defeat would push the third-placed team onto at least three points, enough to eliminate Scotland.
In Group G, Scotland requires Egypt to defeat Iran. A draw in that fixture would guarantee the third-placed side finishes above Scotland on goal difference.
