Not many would have predicted the outcome of Scotland’s qualifying group, with the Tartan Army – who were 14/1 to win the group – leading proceedings until securing qualification, taking the scalp of Spain in the process.
Steve Clarke’s side take part in their second successive Euros, but they’ll be hoping to get out of the group for the first time in their history, and will certainly be looking to perform better than 2020, when they picked up just one point and scored just one goal.
What can we expect from Scotland this time around? And what are the best Scotland-related bets? The This Week’s Acca team give their verdicts.
Qualifying stats
- W5 – D2 – L1
- 17 goals scored – 8 goals against
- Top scorer – Scott McTominay (7)
- Most assists – Andy Robertson (3)
- Most cards – Andy Robertson (2)
Stage of Elimination odds (via Sky Bet)
Odds correct at 2100 (07/06/24)
Group stage fixtures
Friday 14th June – 20:00
Wednesday 19th June – 20:00
Sunday 23rd June – 20:00
Route to the final
Should Scotland cause a huge upset and win Group A, they would take on the runners-up in England’s group (C) – likely Denmark – in the round of 16, before Spain in the quarters should the Spaniards top Group B.
If the Tartan Army finish second in their group, they will take on the runner-up from Group B, meaning a match-up between one of Spain, Italy or Croatia in the round of 16. Get past that, and Steve Clarke’s men could face England in the quarter finals.
Finishing third would see Scotland take on a group winner from one of Group B, E or F (likely Spain, Belgium or Portugal) in the round of 16.
How far can Scotland go?
Joe Townsend – Had Scotland been offered this group before the draw was made, I’d wager they’d have taken it. Injuries have undoubtedly damaged their chances, but they still possess a strong enough best XI to gain the three points that would likely be enough to reach the knockout stage for the first time ever.
Jake Osgathorpe – No further than the Group Stage. I really worry for Scotland in a competitive Group A. Defensively they should be able to hold their own, but their attack is lacking, and with three points needed to qualify at all, I don’t think they’ll score enough to manage that.
Tom Carnduff – I don’t mind backing Scotland to reach the round of 16. We’ve seen teams progress with three points as a third-placed team in the past – Ukraine even did so with a negative goal difference in the last tournament – so if they can find three points from somewhere they do have a chance.
James Cantrill – Although the odds would suggest otherwise, I think Scotland should be optimistic of making the knockout stages. Steve Clarke gained valuable experience at Euro 2020, has a stronger squad at his disposal this time around and alongside Germany, Switzerland and Hungary, Group A is nothing special.
Player to back
Joe Townsend – As he prepares to pretty much lead the line for his country this summer, it’s almost unfathomable that SCOTT MCTOMINAY played in the back three at Euro 2020. His transformation is epitomised by scoring seven goals in eight qualifiers and just one in his other 41 international appearances.
Jake Osgathorpe – Given I think Scotland will struggle, ANGUS GUNN could be a busy man. Looking at his save lines on a game-to-game basis could be an angle to monitor, with the Scots underdogs in all three of their group outings and expected to be put under plenty of pressure.
Tom Carnduff – JOHN MCGINN is the man to focus on for Scotland, with the Aston Villa midfielder likely to take most things for them on the pitch. He’s a solid bet to finish as Scotland’s top scorer considering the penalty duties.
James Cantrill – SCOTT MCTOMINAY comes alive for the Tartan Army, only Romelu Lukaku, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane netting more in qualification. With Lyndon Dykes injured he’ll likely shoulder the brunt of the scoring responsibility in Germany. Keep an eye on Scotland’s goalscorer market.
Best Scotland bet
Joe Townsend – SCOTT MCTOMINAY TOP SCOTLAND GOALSCORER at 6/1 feels a smart way in for reasons already outlined – no point wasting your time and explaining it again.
Jake Osgathorpe – Sorry to be Debbie Downer, but I think SCOTLAND TO FINISH BOTTOM of Group A looks a serious runner. I do make them the weakest of an admittedly strong group, with their lack of cutting edge in attack the main reason for opposing them.
Tom Carnduff – SCOTLAND TO QUALIFY FROM THE GROUP is available at odds-against prices across the bookies which I don’t mind whatsoever. One win from three is what we’re looking for here – a decent bit of value considering 16 of the 24 teams progress.
James Cantrill – The TOP ASSISTS market in Euro tournaments gone by has thrown up plenty of surprise names and I am hoping for another left field one this summer at a hefty price. ANDY ROBERTSON is 200/1 to set up the most goals in Germany, four should be enough, he set up three in six in qualification.
Odds correct at 1600 BST (11/06/24)
More from Sporting Life
Safer gambling
We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.
