Can Scotland qualify for the World Cup knockout stages? What Steve Clarke’s side need to qualify as third-placed team

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Can Scotland qualify for the World Cup knockout stages? What Steve Clarke's side need to qualify as third-placed team

Scotland need a miracle to stay in the World Cup ahead of the final group-stage matches on Saturday.

Following results on Friday and Saturday morning, Opta have calculated Scotland’s chances of progressing at just 0.07 per cent.

How Scotland’s chances plummeted….

Before facing Brazil – 70.7%
After the 3-0 defeat to Brazil – 42.7%
After South Africa beat South Korea and Mexico won against Czech Republic – 24.4%
After Ivory Coast win vs Curacao and Ecuador’s shock victory against Germany – 9.0%
After Japan draw with Sweden and Netherlands beat Tunisia – 6.6%
Before Senegal faced Iraq – 5.3%
After Senegal beat Iraq – 1.4%
After Spain’s win over Uruguay – 2.2%
After Iran’s draw with Egypt – 0.07%

“If you’re a Scotland fan, you’re probably heading to the airport,” said Sky Sports’ Roy Keane on ITV on Friday.

Steve Clarke’s side currently sit 10th in the 12-team third-place table, with only the top eight progressing to the last 32.

Scotland now need three scenarios to happen if they are to stay in the World Cup. If any of these fail, then they are officially out.

Here are the three things they need:

Group L: Croatia vs Ghana, Saturday, 10pm

Scotland need Ghana to beat current third-placed side Croatia by at least three goals, so that the Croatians have the same points tally as Scotland and a worse goal difference.

Group K: DR Congo vs Uzbekistan, Sunday, 12.30am

Scotland need Uzbekistan to win or draw against DR Congo. If Uzbekistan win, they cannot do so by four or more goals, or they would go ahead of Scotland.