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.
17. Kenny McLean - CM
Match winner against Israel might not have enough for a start when everyone is fit, but has proven to have a cool head in pressure situations - and the heat will be on in Serbia, Balkan winter or not. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
18. Ryan Fraser - RWB/RM/CAM
Another alternative to Ryan Christie, or James Forrest, the scampering pace and trickery of the Newcastle wide man could be a useful tool for unlocking the Serbian defence. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
19. Oli Mcburnie - CF
Ran his socks off against Israel, can provide a combination of Dykes' size, strength and power with Griffiths' running but has yet to pose a goal threat. Must bring club form to national arena and faces competition from Lawrence Shankland and Callum Paterson too. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group / SFA