Steve Clarke’s plans were heavily disrupted by injury and COVID-19 in the camp in the build-up to the semi-final win over Israel, but Scotland shrugged it off to force their way through two hours of football and a penalty shoot-out success.
Serbia too went to extra-time and saw off Norway for the one-off showdown in the Balkans to decide who will participate in next summer’s European Championship.
However there’s also the question of who will participate in Steve Clarke’s big game on November 12, and with a host of returning players, the manager will have a selection headache of a positive kind to pick in his recent 3-5-2 formation.
He’ll have options to select, options on the bench and of course options to change his formation and tactics, if injury is kind over the next few weeks. Here’s a look at those who might be involved in Belgrade.
9. James Forrest - RWB
Injury might rule him out - but it will be close. More natural width and a potent attacking threat, wing back might not be his natural position but it could suit the five man midfield system and three centre backs, with an additional midfielder to cover. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
10. Ryan Christie - AMC
The link-man between midfield and attack, Christie's all-round game could get him the nod over the likes of Ryan Fraser and John McGinn, especially if it's his fellow Celtic tem-mate up front. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
11. Leigh Griffiths - CF
Cometh the hour, cometh the man? Leigh Griffiths retrun to fitness, first-team football and the scoresheet might just be timed perfectly to find his full form going into the mid-November crunch match. Will offer endless running and a penchant for big goals at big moments - can't be ruled out. Photo: SNS Group Bill Murray
12. And who misses out?
Steve Clarke has a wide selection to choose in both his team and his substitutes. Here are a few more options he could turn to. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group