Scotland fans are daring to dream ahead of their second World Cup group game versus Morocco this evening in Boston. Steve Clarke’s side are back in the World Cup for the first time in 28 years and got their tournament underway with a 1-0 win over minnows Haiti. Tough games against the aforementioned Morocco and Brazil await them, but Scotland currently sit top of Group C and with a realistic chance of reaching the knockouts. A famous run to next month’s final remains unlikely, but the Tartan Army are at least hopeful of the prospect of seeing their side contest in the knockouts for the first time in their nation’s history.
Don't miss a World Cup moment: Lionel Messi’s hat-trick, Cape Verde’s heroics, those Scottish fans. It’s been a memorable World Cup so far – our daily newsletter helps you make the most of it. Sign up. And while plotting a team’s course through the knockout rounds of a major tournament is unpredictable by its very nature, such an undertaking can give a sense of the mouthwatering match-ups that could await Scotland in the coming weeks.
Round of 32
As group winners
If Scotland upset the odds and win their group, they would face the runner-up from Group F on Monday, June 29 in Houston (6pm). The Netherlands, Japan or Sweden are all possible opponents.
As group runner-up
Should Scotland finish second, they would face the winners of Group F. Again, the Netherlands, Japan or Sweden are all possible opponents in a tricky group to predict. That match would take place on Tuesday, June 30 (2am) in Guadalajara.
As third-placed team
Perhaps the most realistic scenario, Scotland could face the group winner from Group A, E, and I if they finish among the top eight third-place teams. With the three possible opponents (likely Mexico, Germany, or France) there are also three possible dates. They would play on either Monday, June 29 in Boston (v Group E winners, 9.30pm), or Tuesday, June 30 in New Jersey (v Group I winners, 10pm), or on Wednesday, July 1 in Mexico City (v Group A winners, 2am).
Round of 16
As group winners
Victory in the round of 32 would see Scotland head up to New Jersey for a round-of-16 clash at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, July 5 (9pm). Awaiting them would be either the Group E runners-up or the Group I runners-up, but most likely one of Norway or Senegal.
As group runner-up
Should Scotland make it past their round of 32 clash, they would have a real opportunity in the round of 16. South Korea appear the most likely of opponents in Houston on Saturday, July 4 (6pm).
As third-placed team
The potential opponents don’t get any easier for the Scots. Depending on which side of the draw they are on, Clarke’s side could face France in Philadelphia on Saturday, July 4 (10pm) or England in Mexico City Monday, July 6 (1am).
Quarter-final
As group winners
A tantalising clash against England could await Scotland in the last eight on Saturday, July 11 (10pm) in Miami.
As group runner-up
Now things get tricky. A match-up against France in Boston on Thursday, July 9 (9pm) could await Scotland next.
As third-placed team
More tricky fixtures (surprise, surprise). The Netherlands in Boston on Thursday, July 9 (9pm) or Brazil in Miami on Saturday, July 11 (10pm) are the two likeliest outcomes.
Semi-finals
As group winners
Let’s keep dreaming. If Clarke’s side see off the old enemy, they could then face defending champions Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 15 (8pm).
As group runner-up
It is down to Dallas on Tuesday, July 14 (8pm) if Scotland can get past France in the quarter-finals. Spain appear the most likely opponents.
As third-placed team
The reigning European champions Spain (Tuesday, July 14 in Dallas, 8pm) or the defending world champions Argentina (Wednesday, July 15 in Atlanta, 8pm) would await Scotland in the final four.
Final
As group winners
A clash against reigning European champions Spain could await the Tartan Army in what would be a historic encounter. The final will take place in New York on July 19, with kick-off at 8pm.
As group runner-up
England. Yep, that’s right. A classic final between two fierce rivals is a possibility via this route.
As third-placed team
Spain or Argentina in the final. Whichever one they didn’t shock in the semi-finals to reach this point.
