With their first-placed destiny technically still in their own hands, Scotland's penultimate match of Euro 2024 qualifying sees Steve Clarke's side travel to Tbilisi for Thursday's Group A showdown with Georgia.
While the visitors will be present at next year's Finals, Willy Sagnol's men will have a second bite at the cherry in the playoffs after a turbulent qualification campaign.
However, the visit of Thailand for a friendly offered the Crusaders a prime opportunity to return to winning ways - which they did with an 8-0 demolition - before coming under the cosh against Cyprus, who forced Giorgi Mamardashvili into a few first-half saves last month.
Once Otar Kiteishvili found the net from range, though, the Georgian floodgates opened, as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Levan Shengelia and Georges Mikautadze also contributed to the second-half slaughter in a 4-0 triumph, cementing their fourth-placed position in the group.
At the very worst, Georgia will finish second from bottom before seeking a shot at redemption in the playoffs owing to their 2022-23 Nations League success, and the Crusaders are still capable of usurping Norway - who are three points better off having played a game more - into the bronze medal position, not that it will make much difference in the grand scheme of things.
0 Comments