Nations League Q&A

Courier Sport asks the pertinent questions as Scotland seek to qualify for a major tournament for the first time in 22 years.

What happened to Scotland in the Nations League?

Scotland won League C Group 1 with three wins from four games. The only loss was in Israel in October, but a 3-2 win over the same opponents at Hampden on Tuesday earned Alex McLeish’s side promotion to the second tier and a second opportunity, if needed, to qualify for the 2020 European Championship.

Why have the results stoked optimism of a major tournament place?

Scotland last reached a major finals at the 1998 World Cup. It is hoped the Nations League could be a route to the Euro 2020 finals, which includes four matches hosted at Hampden in Glasgow. The format of the Nations League means at least one team from League A, B, C (Scotland’s division) and D will qualify for the finals tournament, which is being hosted across Europe to celebrate its 60th anniversary.

How does this affect European Championship qualifying?

The European Championship qualifying group stage, which takes place from March 2019 to November 2019, has been simplified. The top two nations from the 10 groups advance to the finals. The groups will be drawn on December 2. Should Scotland finish in the top two of their group, they will qualify for a first major tournament in 22 years. If they finish third or below, they will have a second chance to qualify, courtesy of winning their Nations League group. These play-offs take place in March 2020.

Who will Scotland play in the play-off?

Two games will determine the winner of each path and qualification for Euro 2020. The better ranked team, based on performance in the Nations League, will host the semi-final, with the final host determined by a draw. Finland at home are the most likely opponents. If Finland qualify through the traditional route, a lower ranked Group C nation would be Scotland’s opponents. Norway and Serbia also won their League C groups and could be Scotland’s opponents in a play-off final.

So should Scotland be optimistic?

Well, yes. Wins breed confidence and two victories over Albania, who beat Wales this week, and James Forrest’s sparkling performance against Israel ignited belief that Scotland could end a 22-year wait to appear at a major tournament.