Scotland bring this year's Nations League campaign to a close against Ukraine in Poland this evening and a single point is all that's required to secure top spot in Group B1.
With a Pot 2 seeding spot in the Euro 2024 draw up for grabs, the no.1 position is an important one. However, if Scotland fail to secure a vital point on Tuesday, opponents Ukraine would instead take the top billing, seeing Steve Clarke 's side drop to second place. Not all is lost if that happens though, with another chance of earning a Pot 2 provided by Germany's automatic qualification for the 2024 tournament as hosts.
That spot goes to the best runner-up of the four groups that currently make up Nations League B. And with Finland's victory over Montenegro on Tuesday night, the Norden country are in pole position to claim the second place price and subsequently a spot in next month's draw in Frankfurt. .
It is a little more complicated that simply securing the most points of those in second spot though. Fingers crossed we don't have to think about it, but Record Sport explains exactly how things will go and why Scots should be cheering on Armenia as part of plan B this evening. Just in case!
How is the 'best runners up' spot calculated?
The best of the rest crown is calculated using the number of points picked up in the group, minus those won against the team who finishes fourth. This formula is being used after Russia were banned from the European Championships due to the invasion of Ukraine.
As things stand, using this method, Scotland are on six points. This is because the two wins, and therefore six points, secured in Scotland's games against Armenia are discounted as they sit bottom of Group B1.
However, if they were to defeat Ireland in Dublin it would mean Stephen Kenny's ROI drop to bottom position. And if (sorry to tempt fate) Scotland lose to Ukraine, then Scotland would claim the best runner-up spot to earn a place in Pot 2.
This is because the Scots would only see three of their points discounted with one win and one loss against Ireland following defeat in Dublin back in June.
Long story short, we are looking for Armenia to do us a favour as a back-up option this evening. Let's hope we can take care of ourselves though, eh?
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