2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier

Slovenia v Scotland

Sunday 8 October 2017, kick-off 5pm UK time

Sportni Park Stozice, Ljubljana

 

Scotland rejoiced on Thursday night as Martin Skrtel diverted Ikechi Anya’s cross into the net.

 

As ‘Freed from desire’ blasted throughout Hampden Park the nation realised that Scotland’s World Cup hopes are very much alive and kicking.

 

The 1-0 victory means another three points on Sunday in Ljubljana will put Scotland second in the table and secure their first play-off since 2003 as the road to Russia intensifies.

 

 

Mood in the camp

 

Gordon Strachan

 

“There was a lot of pressure on us to win on Thursday against a team that were physically stronger than us and against 10 men which was difficult.

 

“Their goalkeeper was fantastic and the crossbar came in handy for them too.

 

“There has been many times where we’ve been talking about bad luck but the players stepped up to the mark and made sure we came out as winners.

 

“We would have taken this scenario at the start of the group and we now need to finish the job and not worry about the bits and bobs that have gone before.”

 

 

Craig Gordon

 

“This will be the biggest Scotland game I’ve been involved in since the game in 2007 against Italy where we had a chance to do something similar.

 

“This time I hope we can take the opportunity with both hands.

 

“At my age there won’t be many more chances like this to qualify. 

 

“We’ve put ourselves in a great position and we now need to try and finish the job.”

 

Permutations

 

Eight of the nine European runners-up go into a two-legged play off for four places at next year's finals. 

 

That means the runner-up with the fewest points misses out. Belgium's win over Bosnia-Herzegovina means that a Scotland victory in Slovenia will guarantee a play-off spot.

 

The four seeds will be decided by the world rankings published on October 16.

 

The draw for the play-offs will be made on Tuesday 17 October in Zurich.

 

 

Previous meetings

 

Scotland have never lost against Slovenia in their four previous meetings.

 

The two sides drew in a 2012 friendly after a draw in 2004 at Hampden was followed up by a 3-0 win away from home where Fletcher, McFadden and Hartley all hit the back of the net.

 

The last time they crossed swords was in March when a last gasp Chris Martin strike sealed the win.

 

Fan zone information

 

There will be a fan zone in operation in Ljubljana for Scotland fans in Petkovškovo nabrežje.

 

Click here for more information