5 Likely World Cup Scenarios for Scotland Ahead of Brazil Clash
5 Likely World Cup Scenarios for Scotland

Don't say it too loud - but Scotland are on the brink of history at the World Cup. Steve Clarke can end the 72-year wait to reach the knockout stage in North America as the Tartan Army jet off for Miami.

Brazil Await in Group C Finale

Brazil await in the Group C finale and they will look to put on a show with Carlo Ancelotti eyeing a deep run in the tournament. But Scotland will look to spoil the party - and anything but a thumping at the hands of the five-time world champions should be enough to see Scotland through.

A goal difference of minus one - with the nation currently sitting at zero - and three points is expected to secure progress as one of the third-ranked nations. However, getting points on the board and surprising the Samba Boys could shake things up once again.

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Potential Opponents in Round of 32

So, who awaits in the round of 32? Record Sport takes a look.

Group F Runners-Up

It would take the unthinkable, but Scotland could still top the group by winning against Brazil coupled with a victory for already eliminated Haiti over Morocco. That would propel Clarke's men to the summit of the group and set up a clash against the second-placed side in Group F with Sweden, Japan and the Netherlands battling it out.

Group F Winners

If Haiti don't do Scotland any favours and Morocco win, a win over Brazil would only be enough to snag second spot in the group - and sending the Samba Boys to third in Group C. Sweden currently hold top spot in Group F after a 5-1 win over Tunisia on match day one.

Germany

If Scotland draw or lose to Brazil to finish third in Group C and claim one of the eight qualification places up for grabs for the third-ranked nations, the most likely scenario would see Clarke's men face the winner of Group E in Boston on Monday, June 29. Germany are the favourites to win their section and sit top after matchday one after thumping Curacao 7-1. Ivory Coast, who saw off Ecuador 1-0 in their first game, could still leapfrog the four-time winners and secure top spot.

Mexico

The host nation could also face Scotland if they finish third - who are now expected to win Group A after back-to-back victories over South Africa and South Korea. In this scenario, Andy Robertson would lead the team out in the daunting Azteca cauldron in Mexico City on July 1.

Group I Winners

The third and least likely potential opponent for Scotland if they finish in third spot would be the winners of Group I in New York on June 30. France or Norway are expected to top the section. Erling Haaland's men currently hold top spot after trouncing Iraq in their first game, while Kylian Mbappe and Co are in second after seeing off Senegal.

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