 They consolidated their position at the top of the qualifying group with a convincing 3–1 win against Ukraine, but a 2–0 defeat in Georgia severely damaged the position.Instead of potentially just needing a draw from the final game at home to Italy to qualify, Scotland needed to win as a draw would leave them depending on other results.Italy took an early lead and had chances to knock Scotland out early, but the team battled back with an equalising goal by Barry Ferguson.