Who Scotland could face in the playoffs as Denmark’s heroism wins Hampden semi-final showdown
It has been an incredible run for Scotland so far in the World Cup qualifiers.
Reaching the playoff round is a huge achievement as Steve Clarke looks to secure a spot for the back-to-back Major Finals.
However, to reach Qatar 2022, our boys still have to maneuver for the playoffs.
The sensational victory over Denmark ensures Scotland are among the seeded teams after an excellent performance at the national stadium.
We dodge the big guns like Portugal and Italy after the sensational performance against the Danes.
With victories over Moldova at their lowest, given that Group F is a squad of six, what do John Souttar and Che Adams’ goals mean?
Well, first of all, anything but a home advantage for the semi-final.
(Image: SNS Group)
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But against whom will the Tartan army cheer the nation? Sport record calculated the numbers and here are the options still on the table.
Poland
If you could put together a list of players that you don’t want to see Scotland clashing against, there is no doubt that Robert Lewandowski would be up there.
In addition to their talisman, they have a team full of talent from the English Premier League, Bundesliga and Serie A.
Poland advanced to the playoffs, but a mistake on the final matchday against Hungary put their seed in jeopardy.
The routs of San Marino over, they now risk being overtaken by Wales or the Czech Republic.
Wales
Will it come down to two home countries in the playoff run-in?
Wales will face Belgium in their final group game, and one point would be enough to secure a place in the playoffs.
Even in defeat, their superior goal difference gives them the edge ahead of their Wednesday night clash.
Scotland can’t boast of the best record in the Battle of Britain shock, with just one of the last six win over Gareth Bale and co.
Speaking of records against Scotland …
Czech Republic
You can’t quickly forget the last time Scotland met the Czech Republic.
Patrick Schick quickly turned a nation’s Euro 2020 dream into a nightmare and lobbed David Marshall from the middle line in the process.
If they beat Estonia and Wales lose to Belgium, they will secure the Group E qualifying spot.
Their superior goal difference means they are waiting behind the scenes to overtake Scotland in the seed if Wales gives them the chance.
Anyone who doesn’t qualify for the Wales and Czech Republic qualifiers will end up in a UEFA Nations League berth, so both could be in the unranked section no matter what.
North Macedonia
It would have been a big request for North Macedonia to beat Germany for the top spot in Group J, and they battled with Romania for a playoff spot.
In the end, two big victories against Iceland and Armenia put the surprise package of Euro 2020 on the verge of another tournament.
However, the heavy losses to Germany mean they won’t be among the seeds.
Austria
Taking a familiar route to Scotland, Austria hope to find their way onto the road to the UEFA Nations League.
This means they will be a seedless team, one that Scotland would want to try their luck in the semi-finals.
Steve Clarke secured a win in Vienna and a draw at Hampden throughout this qualifying campaign.
Turkey
Group G appears to be the tightest group heading into the final day.
As it stands, Turkey are only two points behind the Netherlands with two big wins in Gibraltar that skew the goal difference in Group G.
After a mixed-group campaign, they would present a potentially favorable draw if they sealed their playoff spot with a win over Montenegro.
Norway
It’s a huge task for Norway on Wednesday as they travel to Amsterdam to take on the group chiefs, the Netherlands.
They must win against the Dutch, who have suffered only one loss so far in qualifying, if they are to overtake Turkey.
Former Celtic player Moi Elyounoussi has been the star of his country since returning to Southampton, forming an attacking partnership with Martin Ødegaard.
But they will still need a favor from Montenegro.
However, if the Netherlands swell their lines on Wednesday and fall in the playoffs, they will enter the seeded ranks and push one of Wales, Sweden or the Czech Republic out of the seed after the round. final.
Finland
This is the last day for Finland as they look to reserve their place in the playoffs.
France dominated Group D, and Kylian Mbappe and co will arrive in Helsinki on Wednesday to be the final obstacle to their World Cup hopes.
The likes of Glen Kamara and Temmu Pukki will seek at least one point against the French to put pressure on their Ukrainian rivals.
Ukraine
If Finland gets out of hand, that represents a great chance for Ukraine.
Oleksandr Petrakov’s men need to win in Bosnia if they are to make a last-day playoff bid, but three points put the pressure on.
If Scotland ends up welcoming the Ukrainians to Hampden, Roman Yaremchuk and Andriy Yarmolenko will be the dangerous men.