Best and worst case scenarios for Scotland in Euro 2024 draw with the Tartan Army facing huge challenge
Scotland qualified for Euro 2024 with two games to spare but their time at the tournament promises to be a lot tougher.
The Tartan Army have reached back-to-back European Championships under Steve Clarke after a stunning qualifying campaign.
Scotland won their first five games to sit top of Group A, including a historic victory over Spain, and ultimately secured a top-two finish.
The same level of performances will be needed in Germany next summer, with the Scots only in Pot 3 for the draw this week.
Scotland's best possible Euros draw
Scotland suffered a humbling exit after finishing bottom of Group D at Euro 2020 despite playing two of their three games on home turf.
Ironically, it would be playing next year's hosts in front of their fans that would be the kindest Pot 1 team on paper for Scotland.
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Germany, who are among the elite by virtue of hosting the tournament, are the only Pot 1 ranked side outside the top ten.
Julian Nagelsmann's side may have the benefit of home support but are in turmoil on the pitch after a series of defeats.
Germany has won just two of its last 10 and conceded 22 goals, having sacked Hansi Flick in September with little improvement.
DFB-Team failed to escape the group stages at the Qatar World Cup and they haven't played a competitive match since due to not having to qualify for a home tournament.
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Scotland are winless in four games against Germany since a 1-0 win in 1999 but the two sides' polarising form mean they may never have a better chance.
Next up would be Albania - the only nation ranked outside of the top 50 in Pot 2 at 62nd and are competing at their second-ever Euros.
The Red and Blacks sealed a spot in Pot 2 after topping a favourable qualification group that included no team ranked inside the top 30.
Scotland also have fond memories of facing Albania, having beat them home and away in the 2018 Nations League, scoring six and conceding none.
A best-case scenario for Scotland would then be to see World No.100 Kazakhstan book their spot in Pot 4 by winning the playoffs.
The Hawks face a tough task to beat Greece and then emerge victorious over either Georgia or Luxembourg to secure qualification.
Scotland will also be keen for revenge on Kazakhstan following a humiliating 3-0 loss in 2019 before the arrival of Clarke as manager.
Scotland's best possible Euro 2024 group
Pot 1: Germany (16)
Pot 2: Albania (62)
Pot 3: Scotland (36)
Pot 4: Path C winner - Kazakhstan (100)
Scotland's group of death
Scotland's position in Pot 3 means they could face being drawn with three nations that have all won the European championships.
A reunion with two-time winners and World Cup finalists France would represent the toughest possible outcome from Pot 1.
The number one ranked European side, second overall behind Argentina, battered Scotland 4-1 in a friendly last month.
2020 semi-finalists Denmark appear the class act of the tier in Pot 2.
The Danes are armed with Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen and Manchester United duo Christian Eriksen and Rasmus Hojlund.
However, Scotland can take solace from a 2-0 win in a World Cup qualifier in November 2021, although Denmark had already qualified.
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Defending Euro champions Italy are in Pot 4 and are by far the most daunting prospect alongside a host of minnows.
Scotland have beat the Azzurri just once in 11 meetings, with that famous 1-0 victory coming all the way back at the 1965 World Cup.
Scotland's worst possible Euro 2024 draw
Pot 1: France (2)
Pot 2: Denmark (19)
Pot 3: Scotland (36)
Pot 4: Italy (9)