The dream of reaching the World Cup finals for the first time in Scotland’s history is still alive. Steve Clarke’s side currently sit outside the top eight in third place, but have yet to pass through the trap door.
From Group J, Austria needs to beat Algeria by at least two goals. Such a result would mean the North Africans would slip below Scotland in the standings, which would result in Clark’s side moving up in the standings.
Furthermore, Uzbekistan would have to win or draw against the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but on paper this result seems achievable. In addition to this, Ghana will also be required to beat Croatia by three goals.
If all of these results come to fruition, Scotland will move up to eighth in the table and secure a place in the Round of 32. It’s a series of events that resemble a series of high-stakes football games, but it’s Scotland’s last hope of reaching the World Cup finals for the first time in its history.
But there is a lack of optimism among the Scottish players. After the defeat, John McGinn admitted that he considered the tournament over rather than progressing to the finals.
The Aston Villa midfielder said: “Sometimes you concede bad goals at the wrong time against teams who punish you with quality. We had some chances but now we have to wait.”
“The players are disappointed, we were not up to the quality, but we gave our all. The players are empty now. It seems unlikely (to qualify), but we will wait and see.”
“It’s a bit raw at the moment, but I appreciate the support of the fans and I know it’s hard to be there. I hope the journey isn’t over and if I have to go again, I’ll go again.”
