Scotland fans face another night of mental gymnastics after their side’s narrow defeat to Morocco left progression from the World Cup group stage hanging by a thread. “Are we wanting Uzbekistan to beat DR Congo?” asked BBC Scotland, as supporters contemplated a maze of results needed to keep their dreams alive.
Defeat on Friday has left the Scots’ most likely route out of the group as one of the eight best third-placed teams, but “you’d need a degree in mathematics, statistics and clairvoyance to know what other results are best,” the broadcaster noted. At present, Scotland are the best third-placed team with three points, though not many sides have played two games yet.
“Scotland must beat Brazil to keep World Cup hopes alive after defeat to Morocco leaves progression uncertain.”
The simplest path: beat Brazil on Wednesday. A victory over the former world champions would propel Steve Clarke’s side to six points, guaranteeing at least second spot. But the odds are steep. Brazil are ranked sixth in the world, while Scotland are 40th. History is also against the Scots in Miami: the nations have met 10 times, with eight Brazil wins and two draws, the last in 1974.
Still, the spirited second half against Morocco, and the chances created, offer hope amid the pain in Boston as the Tartan Army prepare to travel to Florida. “Just beat Brazil on Wednesday – sounds easy when you put it like that,” the BBC said wryly.
Between now and that crucial clash, there are 18 games whose results will shape Scotland’s fate. Among them: a Sweden win over Netherlands to keep Dutch points low; a Germany victory over Ivory Coast to dent the Ivorians’ goal difference; a draw between Ecuador and Curacao; and a Spain win over Saudi Arabia to keep Saudi Arabia on one point.
Each outcome twists the permutation further. For Scotland, it is not just about their own performance – but about watching games from home at “daft o’clock” unsure what result to cheer for. The next few days will be a test of patience, mathematics and hope.