Jakub crackers for Scotland tie
Czech ace Jakub Brabec has revealed his team-mates are all desperate to land Scotland in Fr iday’s World Cup play-offs draw.
The Scots lost to the Czechs at Hampden in last summer’s Euro 2020 tournament with Patrik Schick netting a double, including a wonder goal.
The nations could meet again when the Qatar 2022 draw is made in Switzerland this week, with Scotland guaranteed a home spot for the semi-finals.
And Aris Thessaloniki defender Brabec has no doubts which team he wants to face.
He said: “Of course we all want to draw Scotland. They would be easier than Portugal or Italy and we played them at the Euros in front of their own fans – and beat them easily.
“We want a lighter opponent.
“Of course, it’s a World Cup play- off and anything can happen but if I could pick I’d choose to play Scotland.
“Remember, when we play in March we will be far stronger because Patrik and Jakub Jankto will be back after injury.
“We will be even better at the play-offs than at the Euros.”
Meanwhile, Scotland fans face being locked out of Russia if they were to land them in Fr iday’s play- of f f ina l .
It wi l l be a red- tape nightmare for the Tartan Army
if the sides end up playing each other. Both are seeded for the semi-final draw but could face each other in the final if drawn in the same play- off route.
The final will take place on March 29 next year, just five days after the semi, which gives fans little time to get the necessary Russian visa.
There is a visa office in Leith but it takes at least three working days for fast- track applications. And passport collections, required to get a visa, don’t take place until late afternoon – on the day of the final itself.
It means no UK- based fan would be able to get a visa in time, unless they gambled by ordering it before the draw at a cost of £125.