It was a huge night for Scotland on Tuesday as Steve Clarke's side secured top spot in Nations League Group B1.
A point that all that was needed as the Tartan Army travelled to Poland to take on Ukraine in their final clash of a triple header this international break. And after a goalless draw, it was glory for Scotland in Krakow. It means that there are a number of benefits coming our way, with a spot in the Euro 2024 draw as well as a Pot 2 seed in that draw among the advantages. We will also be facing off against the 'big boys' in Europe, with the likes of France, Germany and Croatia potential group opponents as Scotland head into Group A.
The glory felt far away after heartbreak at the hands of Ukraine in a bid to qualify for this winter's World Cup in Qatar, with defeat in Dublin putting a damper on our Nations League campaign back in June too. But it was a case of back and back with a vengeance over the last couple of weeks. And it feels fantastic.
Here are four things Scotland are set to benefit from Nations League Group B glory...
Promotion to Nations League Group A
Scotland will now mix with the very best in Europe having secure promotion to Nations League Group A.
A hard-earner goalless draw on the back of two crucial victories will see Steve Clarke and his men enter the big boys playground when it opens again next term.
Israel, Bosnia and Serbia have also secured promotion but does to the seeding system Scotland won't be drawn against any of those three sides when they take place in their new Nations League slot.
However, the Tartan Army could face sides from these pots when the Nations League returns in March 2024.
Pot 1
- Netherlands
- Croatia
- Spain
- Italy
Pot 2
- Denmark
- Portugal
- Belgium
- Hungary
Pot 3
- Switzerland
- Germany
- Poland
- France
Straight into the Euro 2024 playoff
Top spot in Group B1 also means Scotland go straight into the Euro 2014 play off pot.
A total of 53 sides are set to compete in the qualifying draw, which will allocate each team to a spot in one of 10 groups. Seven groups will be made up of five teams, with the remaining three consisting of six.
The 10 group winners as well as then 10 group runners-up with qualifying for the tournament, with the remaining three spots being decided through the playoffs.
The 53 participating teams are seeded according to the overall 2022/23 UEFA Nations League rankings and divided into seven pots.
The draw takes place in Frankfurt on Sunday, 9 October at 11am UK time.
Up to second seeds for Euros
What's more, top spot in the league means that Scotland are up to second seeding for the Euro draw. Scotland will therefore be drawn from Pot 2 next month.
And that could prove to be hugely beneficial for our chances of securing a spot in the 2024 European Championships as it means we will avoid a number tough opponents including France. It also means that Scotland will not be in a qualification group with England. Good or bad news taking into account their recent form? You decide.
Pot 2 in full
- Wales
- England
- Bosnia
- Israel
- France
- Austria
- Scotland
- Finland
- Serbia
- Czech Republic
A pathway to the World Cup?
This one is a little less certain. There is still much to be finalised and many details to be filled in.
The Nations League is linked with European qualification for the World Cup, although to a lesser degree than the Euros. The pathway for Scotland in terms of World Cup 2026 qualification remains somewhat unclear. But securing a better position in the Nations League will definitely make the road a little easier than it was last time around.
The 2022 World Cup qualification consisted of 10 groups with the winner of each group directly qualifying for the competition. The second round, which followed a playoff format, was contested by the 10 runners up plus the best two Nations League group winners (based on Nations League overall ranking) that finished outside of the top two of their qualifying group.
It means, with a better Nations League ranking now secured, Scotland will stand in better stead when qualification opportunities come around again, even if there are some changes made.
READ NEXT
