Hoping for a miracle

WHERE there's life their hope but in their heart of hearts Scotland and Switzerland know they are almost certainly homeward bound after their final first round game in Villa Park tonight.

Realistically, both teams require a win in the region of three goals and alternative results' from Wembley. The Scottish management and fans alike will be tuned into BBC radio Five Live in the distinctly uncomfortable hope that England will grant them the favour of beating Holland.

Even then they would have to win by 3-0 see How qualification is decided below). They have scored only two goals in seven outings this year, the last of them fully 351 minutes ago when Gordon Durie netted against, the United States in a 2-1 defeat in Connecticut last month.

Even Craig Brown, an eternal optimist, concedes. If it is not quite a miracle we need, then it is something surprising and exceptional. But things, like that have been happening in the tournament so far and we still hope to create a shock.,

With refreshing can dour, rather than all that silly old nonsense of we'll concentrate on our own game Brian Brown also admits that he will be in touch with events at Wembley, desperately seeking inspiration if England are inclined or able to provide it.

"It would be a huge motivational boost if we were to get the word that England were ahead and we needed goals, so we have got to be informed," added Brown. "It may alter our tactics."

Brown will again keep his team selection secret against the Swiss, for whom striker Marco Grassi is suspended. As ever with the secretive Scots, the formation is unclear, with Brown perhaps tempted to revert to a four man defence to enable Coventry's Eoin Jess or John Spencer to be added in midfield to back up two strikers.

It can be assured that Garry McAllister will be inspired to further expunge the memory of Wembley.