Can Scots Hold on to Their World Cup Dreams? McGinn Weighs In

Scotland's hope of qualifying for the men's World Cup for the first time since 1998 is alive, following a dramatic performance against Greece, despite a 3-2 loss. With Denmark only one point ahead, the Scots face a crucial match against Denmark at Hampden Park on 18 November, where a win guarantees qualification. Midfielder John McGinn emphasised the importance of seizing this opportunity as Scotland prepares for what he describes as a "cup final".

Last updated: 14 November 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As Scotland approaches the final round of World Cup qualifying matches, the national team finds itself in a precarious but hopeful position. After a valiant comeback against Greece, where they nearly overturned a three-goal deficit, the focus now shifts to the must-win encounter against Denmark. This match, set for 19:45 GMT on 18 November 2023 at Hampden Park, could determine Scotland's fate in securing a place at the World Cup in Qatar next summer.

Key takeaways

Scotland faces Denmark in a decisive World Cup qualifier on 18 November.
A win will secure Scotland's spot in the World Cup; a draw or loss leads to play-offs.
Midfielder John McGinn highlighted the team's resilience despite the defeat in Greece.

Timeline: how we got here

The road to qualification for Scotland has been fraught with challenges. Here is a brief timeline of key events leading to the upcoming match:

March 2023: Scotland begins its World Cup qualifying campaign.
September 2023: Scotland secures critical victories over key rivals.
November 2023: Scotland plays Greece, facing a setback with a 3-2 loss, but remains in contention due to Denmark's draw with Belarus.
18 November 2023: Scotland hosts Denmark in a decisive final qualifier.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Following the match against Greece, Scotland's position in the qualifiers remains uncertain. The unexpected draw between Denmark and Belarus has provided Scotland a lifeline, allowing them to stay competitive for the top qualifying spot.

What was already established

Scotland's path to the World Cup has been marked by strong performances in earlier qualifiers, but the recent loss in Greece raised concerns about their consistency and ability to perform under pressure. The upcoming match against Denmark will be crucial in testing their resolve and skill.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The anticipation surrounding the match has stirred excitement among fans, potentially leading to increased engagement in pubs and viewing parties across the UK. A successful qualification could boost national pride and local economies tied to the sporting event.

Businesses and jobs

Increased interest in the World Cup can positively impact various sectors, including hospitality and retail, as fans gather to watch games, purchase merchandise, and celebrate. This could lead to temporary job opportunities in these areas during the tournament period.

Policy and regulation

No significant policy changes are expected directly related to the match. However, the excitement surrounding the World Cup may encourage discussions about sports funding and infrastructure improvements in the UK.

Numbers that matter

3: Goals conceded by Scotland in their last match against Greece.
2: Goals scored by Scotland in the comeback attempt against Greece.
1: Point that separates Scotland from Denmark in the qualifying standings.
1998: The last time Scotland qualified for the men's World Cup.
19:45 GMT: Kick-off time for Scotland's crucial match against Denmark.

Definitions and jargon buster

World Cup: An international football tournament contested by the men's national teams of the member associations of FIFA.
Cup final: The last match in a knockout cup competition, determining the champion.
Tartan Army: The nickname for Scotland's national football supporters.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Scotland must focus on preparing for the match against Denmark, ensuring that players are fit and mentally ready to perform at their best under pressure. Tactical adjustments will be essential to counter Denmark's strengths.

Medium term (1–6 months)

If Scotland qualifies, preparations will need to intensify for the World Cup, including potential friendlies and a rigorous training schedule. The team's performance in the tournament will also impact future funding and support for Scottish football.

Signals to watch

Player fitness updates leading up to the match against Denmark.
Fan engagement and ticket sales for the match, indicating public support.
Media coverage and analysis of Scotland's performance trends in the qualifiers.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated with team news and player conditions before the match.
Engage with fellow fans and plan to support Scotland during the match.
Follow match coverage through reliable sources for real-time updates.

Don’t

Don’t underestimate the importance of tactical preparation for the game against Denmark.
Don’t engage in negative speculation about the team's chances; focus on support and positivity.
Don’t forget to respect the regulations regarding attendance and conduct during the match.

Checklist

Verify match details: Date, time, and location.
Check transport options for getting to Hampden Park.
Gather with fellow fans to create a supportive atmosphere.
Prepare personal and family plans for match day.
Stay informed about the team’s performance and news updates.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Scotland has the chance to qualify for the World Cup, several uncertainties remain. Their performance against Denmark will be influenced by player form, tactical decisions by the coaching staff, and external pressures from the fans and media. Additionally, injuries or suspensions could impact the squad's effectiveness in the crucial match.

Bottom line

Scotland stands on the brink of World Cup qualification for the first time in 25 years. With a decisive match against Denmark approaching, the team must harness their recent performance's positives while addressing their defensive lapses. The support from the Tartan Army will be crucial in creating an inspiring atmosphere during this pivotal encounter.

FAQs

What does Scotland need to do to qualify for the World Cup?

Scotland must win against Denmark in their final qualifier to secure a place in the World Cup. A draw or loss would mean they must enter the play-offs.

When is the match against Denmark?

The match against Denmark is scheduled for 18 November 2023 at 19:45 GMT.

Where can I watch the match?

The match will be broadcast on BBC Scotland and BBC Two, and it will also be available to stream on iPlayer.