Croatia arrive to play Scotland in Group Six level on points but ahead on goal difference, superior by one. Belgium are three points clear at the top, having played a game more.

Having drawn 1-1 in Zagreb last October, Scotland respect rather than fear Croatia."We've watched tapes all week of the players to see where their strengths and weaknesses are," Don Hutchison said. "They have got some great players. But as a team we are bit like a club side. We've got great team spirit."

Tactical nous as well as spirit will be required. Scotland know they cannot afford to surrender possession cheaply or dive into tackles in midfield which would enable Croatia to strike suddenly as they prefer, on the counter-attack. Ahead of Robert Prosinecki will most likely roam Aston Villa's Bosko Balaban.

Northern Ireland, who meet Denmark today, have no chance of qualifying, but they could still have a decisive say in Group Three. The second-placed team will meet the runner-up in Scotland's group, and Craig Brown will have a scout in Copenhagen today. Anything but a win over Sammy McIlroy's team today would put the Danes in severe danger of failing even to make the play-offs. Manchester City's Kevin Horlock will make his first appearance for Northern Ireland in almost a year.