Scotland's World Cup campaign is on life support after a 3-0 defeat to Brazil on Wednesday night. Steve Clarke's side now sit seventh in the third-place rankings with a goal difference of minus three, and their fate depends on results elsewhere.
The Scenario for Progress
For Scotland to reach the knockout rounds for the first time, they need at least four of seven specific outcomes across Group E, F, D, H, G, I, K, and J fixtures. Here is the full list of required results.
Group E: Ecuador vs Germany (Thursday, 9pm) and Curacao vs Ivory Coast (Thursday, 9pm)
Scotland need Germany to avoid defeat against Ecuador and Ivory Coast to avoid defeat against Curacao.
Group F: Japan vs Sweden (Friday, 12am)
Sweden must lose by at least four goals.
Group D: Paraguay vs Australia (Friday, 3am)
Australia must win by two or more goals, or Paraguay must win by four or more.
Group H: Uruguay vs Spain (Saturday, 1am)
A Spain victory is required.
Group G: Egypt vs Iran (Saturday, 4am) and New Zealand vs Belgium (Saturday, 4am)
Egypt must beat Iran, and Belgium must avoid defeat against New Zealand.
Group I: Senegal vs Iraq (Friday, 8pm)
The match must end in a draw.
Group K: DR Congo vs Uzbekistan (Sunday, 12:30am)
DR Congo must not win.
Group J: Algeria vs Austria (Sunday, 3am)
Austria must win by two or more goals.
According to Record Sport, the Tartan Army will need to cheer for these outcomes to keep their summer adventure alive. The World Cup knockout stage remains a historic target for Scotland, who have never advanced past the group stage.
