Senegal have sent Scotland tumbling out of the top eight third-place sides at the World Cup with a 5-0 win over Iraq. However, all is not quite lost yet, as Algeria and Croatia could still drop out of the best-ranked sides.
Scotland's World Cup Hopes Dented
The Tartan Army were brought down to earth with a thud as Brazil steamrollered Steve Clarke's side earlier this week. The 3-0 defeat left Scotland clinging to the slim chance that they'd still create World Cup history with just three points and a minus three goal difference. But a spot in the last 32 drifted further away after every result went against them on Thursday night and into Friday morning.
Things went from bad to worse as AFCON champions Senegal sent the nation tumbling out of the top eight – and among just four third-place sides that won't progress. Habib Diarra got the scoring underway after just four minutes against Iraq, who went down to 10 men in the first half after Rebin Sulanka saw red. Senegal then took the game beyond as Ismaila Sarr netted before a Papa Gueye double in the second half. Iliman Ndiaye came off the bench to round off the scoring.
What Scotland Needs to Progress
It's another dagger to tartan hearts, but favours from other nations could still see the boys achieve history. For Luka Modric and Croatia to drop out of the leading eight sides, Ghana would have to win by three or more goals. Austria could also do Clarke's men a major favour if they see off Algeria by two or more goals. It all sounds simple – but in reality, Scotland's hopes are still hanging by a thread.
While Scotland are still in the tournament after Senegal's resounding triumph, they could officially be eliminated in the early hours of Saturday morning if Uruguay avoid defeat against Spain in Group H and Iran get a draw or beat Egypt in Group G. There are still five decisive groups, and Scotland require four of them to fall into place to finish in the top eight.
Key Matches for Scotland's Fate
Group H – Uruguay vs Spain (Saturday June 27, 1am): What Scotland require – A Spain victory against the South Americans.
Group G – Egypt vs Iran (Saturday June 27, 4am), New Zealand vs Belgium (Saturday 4am): What Scotland require – Egypt to beat Iran and Belgium to avoid defeat against New Zealand.
Group L – Ghana vs Croatia (Saturday June 27, 10pm): What Scotland require – Ghana to win by three or more goals.
Group K – DR Congo v Uzbekistan (Sunday June 28, 12:30am): What Scotland require – DR Congo not to win.
Group J – Algeria vs Austria (Sunday June 28, 3am): What Scotland require – Austria to win by two or more goals.
