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.
1. David Marshall - GK
Has been Steve Clarke's go-to goalkeeper and hasn't let him down. Earned his spot with a crucial penalty save in the shoot-out last night. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group
2. Liam Cooper - CB
Form with Leeds dependent, he's made a good start to the season though wasn't at his best against Israel. Another popular pick for Clarke and an option in a back three or four. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
3. Scott McKenna - CB
Probably Scotland's best central defender - the now Nottingham Forest man should start if he can shake off the injury that kept him out of the semi-final Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group / SFA
4. Kieran Tierney - CB
Missed the Israel game due to the COVID-19 positive test in the camp so the dillema of fitting both Tierney and Robertson in the side subsided. But Clarke's back three makes a central role an option - and he can't be left out once available again. Photo: Craig Williamson - SNS Group