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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

A look at Scotland's potential Euro 2024 last-16 opponents

The big day is nearly upon us. 

Scotland take on Hungary in their final Group A game of Euro 2024 on Sunday night. 

Steve Clarke and his players know full well that three points are required to see progression to the last-16 of the major competition secured. It's a feat that has not yet been achieved by any Scotland team.

Anything less than that - so, a draw or a loss - will see the Tartan Army head for home at the group stage yet again.

So, with a place in the last-16 still a distinct possibility, here's a look at the potential opponents - depending on how other results go elsewhere - that Scotland could come up against in the first knockout round.

Winner of Group B

With this perumation, this would see a quickfire return to Cologne for the Tartan Army. The people of this city really took to the Scots as we earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Switzerland.

If this scenario comes to pass, Scotland would come up against a far more daunting opponent, though. 

Either Spain or Italy look certain to emerge as top dogs in Group B. The Spaniards are on six points after inflicting a 1-0 defeat on the Italians earlier this week.

Croatia's hopes are still alive after defeating bottom-of-the-group Albania, but it seems unlikely they'll top the section.

Even if Scotland were to somehow finish second in Group A, they would be paired with Group B's runners-up - so it would still provide a tough test against one of the aforementioned sides.

This game would take place on Sunday, June 30 in Cologne with an 8pm kick-off.

Winner of Group F

Another tough section, with Portugal and Turkey currently leading the way.

It's the latter who are out in front on goal difference following their comfortable opening game victory over Georgia, while the Portuguese had to settle for a last-minute winner over the Czechs.

Turkey are regarded as somewhat of a dark horse in this tournament, whereas Portugal are clearly one of the favourites with their array of talent throughout their ranks.

This game would take place on Monday, July 1 in Frankfurt with an 8pm kick-off.

Winner of Group E

Romania looks good to come out on top here after their thumping victory over Ukraine. Slovakia defeated Belgium in their opening game. 

There are still two games for the Belgians to come into the equation, however, playing either Romania or Slovakia is surely a task Scotland would be quite content with for their first-ever knockout-round match? 

This scenario would see the Tartan Army returning to where it all started and the Allianz Arena.

This game would take place on Tuesday, July 2 in Munich with a 5pm kick-off.

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