Every Scotland vs Brazil permutation explained as England clash scenario emerges

Scotland are looking to make World Cup history by progressing to the knockout stages for the first time later this evening, but five-time winners Brazil stand in their way. So, what do Scotland need to do to reach the round of 32?

Despite by no means thrilling the thousands of fans who have travelled to form the Tartan Army with their performances on the pitch, Scotland’s hopes of progressing from Group C are still very much alive.

Steve Clarke’s side got their campaign underway with a nervous 1-0 win over Haiti on June 14 before losing by the same scoreline to Morocco five days later.

This has left the Scots third in Group C, just one point behind Morocco and Brazil, who sit second and first respectively. Haiti have already been eliminated.

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So, what needs to happen for Scotland to remain in the World Cup beyond the group stage?

Scotland can ensure they reach the round of 32 with a win over Brazil, which would render Morocco’s result against Haiti irrelevant.

However, if Morocco draw or lose against Haiti, Scotland would be confirmed as group winners.

A draw would keep Scotland in the competition for now, but whether they progress would depend on other results and, ultimately, whether they finish among the eight best third-placed teams.

A draw or a win would be enough to ensure Brazil extend their stay in North America. If Brazil and Morocco both win, the group winners will be determined by goal difference, as the two nations drew 1-1 on matchday one.

Morocco will advance with a win or a draw, or if Scotland lose.

Before Wednesday’s matches, Scotland sat second in the third-place rankings, although that will change as matchday three progresses.

How can Scotland face England at the World Cup?

Although they will not be looking past Brazil, Scotland could end up playing arch-rivals England in the round of 16 if results play out a certain way.

If England top Group L, which they currently do after recording a win and a draw from their opening two matches, with a favourable tie against Panama still to come, they will face a team that finishes third in Group E, H, I, J or K.

There are hundreds of scenarios that could play out, but based on current predictions, England could face one of Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Uruguay, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Iraq, Austria, Algeria, Colombia or DR Congo in the Round of 32.

Should they progress, their Round of 16 tie will take place in Mexico City on July 6.

The Three Lions would then face either the winners of Group A or the best third-placed team from Groups C, E, F, H or I.

Mexico are on course to top Group A. Meanwhile, possible third-placed opponents include Scotland, Japan and Sweden.

First, Scotland would need to come through a Round of 32 tie. If they finish third in Group C, they would face the top-seeded group winner from Group E, A or I.

Potential Round of 32 opponents include Mexico, Germany, France and Norway.

Scotland v England at 1am, anyone?