It's fair to say that Scotland aren't very good at football. Every so often it looks like this time we might be about to get somewhere, and then there's immediately a wobble - it's as if the players look at the notion of actually being decent and just can't bring themselves to do it.
The most recent international break has been a really weird one. On paper, it's been really good - six points out of six, and a place in the playoffs guaranteed. What could be better?
And yet, look at the actual games and it's another story. Against Greece we were poor for almost all of the match and were hugely flattered by the scoreline. Against Belarus, we were saved by some dodgy refereeing decisions and a good bit of luck. All in all, not the best.
Next up is Greece away, and then a showdown home to Denmark that will decide whether Scotland come top or face the playoffs.
The permutations make the Greece game largely irrelevant. We can assume Denmark will beat Belarus, meaning they will end on between 13 and 16 points, and they have a vastly superior goal difference to Denmark. So if Scotland lose to Denmark, we will end on between 10 and 13 points, with Denmark on 16 - the playoffs. If we draw, we'll end on between 11 and 14 points, with Denmark on 14, with an equal head-to-head, and a worse goal difference - the playoffs. And if we win, we'll end on between 13 and 16 points, with Denmark on 13, but with the superior head-to-head. In which case we'd go through as group winners.
But I find it really hard to believe, on the evidence of this weekend, that Scotland will beat Denmark. And I also find it really hard to believe that Scotland have it in them to get through the playoffs. It's looking very much like another chance for glorious failure.
But maybe this was a blip, and the next two games will see better performances. Here's hoping!
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