Would unknown pleasures suit Levein in Sunday draw?



Craig Levein has already stated he would have no problem if Scotland were to face England in the qualifiers for 2012 and that would certainly be a match with ‘Atmosphere’. The opportunity does exist though as Scotland are ranked as third seeds and the chance of the clash exists as Scotland hope to end ‘Decades’ without an appearance at a major football tournament (and yes, thats the last of the Joy Division song titles!)

Seed 1:
Spain (holders)
Germany
Netherlands
Italy
England
Croatia
Portugal
France
Russia

Any of these teams would pose a great test to Craig Levein but some would provide a greater chance than others. You cannot say that Portugal or Croatia are as intimidating as Spain or Italy. Yes, they are all well ranked above Scotland for a reason but there could be the chance of an upset. Worst case scenario would be Spain with regards to hope of beating them but what a game it would be at Hampden up against the stars of La Liga.

Seed 2:
Greece
Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Serbia
Turkey
Denmark
Slovakia
Romania

These are the teams that Scotland need to perform against and out-rank. If you get a seed one team that devours everything in its wake, its fair enough and the second spot of the group would be in your own hands. Again, Scotland have not earned the right to be blasé in looking forward to any of these matches but there is no reason why 3 or 4 (at least) should be obtained from these games. The eight runners up go into a play-off in November 2011 and this has to be Scotland’s minimum aim.

Seed 4:
Slovenia
Latvia
Hungary
Lithuania
Belarus
Belgium
Wales
FYR Macedonia
Cyprus

Given the way Wales have demolished Scotland in recent friendlies, it may be best to avoid them, a trip to Cyprus could be quite welcoming for Scotland although WeKnowSFA would choose Belarus, purely because it is a song title by Low!

Seed 5:
Montenegro
Albania
Estonia
Georgia
Moldova
Iceland
Armenia
Kazakhstan
Liechtenstein

Seed 6:
Azerbaijan
Luxembourg
Malta
Faroe Islands
Andorra
San Marino

So….we’re Levein home for 2012 – any team you fancy or want to avoid in the Warsaw draw?

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