Pressure is all on the Czechs, says defender Berra

Scotland have their fate in their own hands but the odds are against them beating Spain, who have won seven out of seven qualifiers, and defeat means the Czechs would need only a draw away to Lithuania to secure a play-off spot.

However, Wolves defender Berra reckons it is not the Scots who will be feeling the heat. “It’s not an easy game for the Czechs. Lithuania have beaten them already in this campaign,” he said.

“We have the points on the board just now, so the pressure is on them really – they are the ones who need to get a win or at least a draw.

“It will be a funny game [in Lithuania]. There probably won’t be much of an atmosphere. It is not a great stadium and the pitch won’t be the greatest so anything can happen.

“We are not expected to win against Spain. If we get anything out of the game it would be a big upset really. You have to go out there and take care of ourselves, and the Lithuania and Czech game will take care of itself.”

Berra’s attempt to switch the focus onto the Czechs is understandable considering his belief that Levein’s side will be taking on one of the best international sides of all time.

“They are probably one of the best international teams ever,” said the former Hearts defender. “They have won the European Championships and the World Cup, so not many teams have been better than this Spanish team. I don’t think you will get any bigger a game.

“There will be a lot of Scots there, so it will be a great atmosphere and any player would relish that.”