Scotland's routes to World Cup knockouts: Qualification hopes still alive despite defeat

Scotland's World Cup dreams are hanging in the balance but all is not lost for Steve Clarke's side despite their defeat to Morocco.

A 1-0 defeat by Morocco in their second Group C fixture at Boston Stadium on Friday night, thanks to an Ismael Saibari goal after 70 seconds, means Clarke's side, who remain on three points, know they have work to do if they want to progress past the group stage.

Clarke - the first boss to lead the nation to three major finals - and his players now face five-time world champions Brazil at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Wednesday knowing only a win will guarantee them a place in the round of 32.

As things stand, Scotland's points tally in Group C would see them qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, but there are no guarantees their current tally of three points would be enough.

However, a point against Brazil would most likely be enough to secure one of the eight third-place spots that would take them through.

If they do progress, here's a look at who Scotland's most likely next opponents will be in the knockouts:

Match 1 - June 14: Haiti 0-1 Scotland, Boston

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Match 2 - June 19: Scotland 0-1 Morocco, Boston

Match 3 - June 24: Scotland vs Brazil, Miami, 11pm (UK time)

Scotland could still top Group C if they beat Brazil and Morocco fail to beat Haiti.

Here's their potential route if they finish top of the pile...

Monday June 29: Scotland vs Group F runners-up, Houston

That could be Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, or Tunisia.

Sunday July 5: Scotland vs Ivory Coast, New York

Saturday July 11: Scotland vs England, Miami

Wednesday July 15: Scotland vs Argentina, Atlanta

Sunday July 19: Scotland vs France, New Jersey

Scotland will finish second in Group C with a win over Brazil and Morocco beating Haiti...

Tuesday June 30: Scotland vs Group F winners, Monterrey

That could be Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, or Tunisia.

Saturday July 4: Scotland vs Mexico, Houston

Thursday July 9: Scotland vs France, Boston

Tuesday July 14: Scotland vs Spain, Dallas

Sunday July 19: Scotland vs Argentina, New York

This could also take Scotland all the way. But because of the complicated way the third-placed qualification works, there are too many potential routes - which won't be finalised until the end of the group stages - to take into account at this point.