Scotland face elimination from the World Cup after managing just one win from three matches, including a heavy 3-0 defeat to Brazil. The Tartan Army sit in eighth place in the third-placed team standings, occupying the final qualification spot for the round of 32. Opta rates their chances at just 5.26 per cent after results elsewhere failed to fall in their favour. Wins for South Africa and Ecuador pushed Scotland further down the table, while Japan's failure to beat Sweden by four goals was another missed opportunity.

Recent results have not been kind to Steve Clarke's side. The draw between Paraguay and Australia offered no assistance, leaving Scotland clinging to the last third-place position. With three days of group stage matches remaining, they need four of six possible scenarios to unfold perfectly. The permutations are complex but survival remains mathematically possible.

Scotland require specific outcomes across Groups H, G, L, K and J. Spain must beat Uruguay to keep the South American side on two points behind them. Ghana needs to overcome Croatia by at least three goals to worsen the Croatians' goal difference. Austria must defeat Algeria by two or more goals to drop the Africans below Scotland. Each result carries significant weight for the Tartan Army's hopes.

Egypt's clash with Iran also matters, as an Egyptian victory would see third place finish on two points regardless of other outcomes. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan must avoid a four-goal victory against DR Congo if they are to remain below Scotland in the standings. Senegal's result against Iraq completes the equation, with Scotland needing the African side to drop points without a heavy defeat. The calculations are tight but Scotland still controls their destiny.