World Cup scenarios: How Belgium, Croatia can advance despite finishing third | Football News
The expanded 48-team World Cup has changed the dynamics of the group stage. Gone are the days when finishing outside the top two automatically meant elimination. In the new format, the top two teams from each of the 12 groups are joined by the eight best third-placed teams, meaning two-thirds of the field will reach the knockout rounds. As the group stage enters the final matchday, the race for those eight third-place spots is beginning to take shape. Four points should be enough for most teams. Three points may still be sufficient, but only with a favourable goal difference and goals-scored record. Scotland, Croatia and Sweden are well placed If there is a group of teams sitting comfortably ahead of the final round, Scotland, Croatia and Sweden belong in it. Scotland sit third in Group C with three points and a neutral goal difference. They face Brazil knowing that a draw would take them to four points and leave them in an excellent position to qualify, even if they remain third. Victory could yet send …
