Group I - Scotland handed a horror draw

Scotland are unsurprisingly [13.5] outsiders to make it to Euro 2012 as Group I winners, having been paired with world champions and holders Spain ([1.16]), perennial qualifiers Czech Republic ([7.2]), occasionally tricky customers Lithuania ([44.0]) and not-so-daunting Liechtenstein ([26.0]).

The Tartan Army have a commendable recent record in Euro preliminaries having made the finals in 1992 and 1996, missed out in the play-offs in 2000 and 2004 and come close to stunning Italy and France in the 2008 campaign, yet even finishing second will be tough for new boss Craig Levein.

Spain didn't drop a point in World Cup qualifying and their players don't seem the type to get lazy despite their incredible success and Czech Republic, although a shambles of late, have Euro pedigree after reaching the 1996 Final and the 2004 semis, never failing to attend since splitting with Slovakia.

If Scotland are to make the play-offs then they are probably dependent on beating Czech Republic at home and delivering away to Lithuania, and there are reasons for cautious optimism on both fronts.

They defeated Czech Republic in Levein's first game in charge back in March while Lithuania, while regular companions Lithuania, who have tripped them up in previous meetings, were beaten home and away when the teams last crossed paths in Euro 2008 qualifying.

The Baltic nation are Scotland's first opponents tonight and that result will provide a huge insight into their chances of progress, and whether last month's 3-0 friendly loss to Sweden was a sign of things to come or no cause for concern.

A 1-0 loss to Macedonia in the opener of their last push two years ago set the tone for an ultimately disappointing attempt but Darren Fletcher and co can be backed at [2.8] to get underway with a victory this time.

Can Scotland finally end their 14-year exodus? Have your say below...

Published: 3 Sep 2010