Are Scotland going to the World Cup? When do Scotland play next - Austria friendly date and TV details

Scotland are still just two games away from reaching the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998 and they now know which two teams they will need to overcome.

The ongoing situation in Ukraine following the invasion of Russia continues to cast doubt over whether or not the national side will be able to fulfil their play off semi-final at Hampden, which was originally meant to be played last night.

Instead, the Scots took on Poland in a friendly which ended 1-1 courtesy of a stoppage-time spot kick.

Arsnenal’s Kieran Tierney headed in John McGinn’s free kick to give Steve Clarke’s side the lead and net his first ever goal for the national side.

However, the match ended with a moment of controversy as Krzysztof Piatek went down in the box in the second minute of injury time after minimal contact.

Without VAR to assist, referee Robert Hennessy pointed to the spot and Piatek slotted past Craig Gordon with almost the last kick of the game to deny Scotland the victory.

Regardless of the result, the match was staged as a way of raising funds for the humanitarian appeal in Ukraine with £10 from every ticket going to UNICEF.

The match was the first of two international friendlies that Scotland will play in the window, and here is everything you need to know about the next one and what it means for Scotland’s chances of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar:

Scotland or Ukraine to face Wales in World Cup qualifying play-off final

While Scotland were playing Poland at Hampden, Wales were securing an important victory over Austria in Cardiff with two sensational goals from Gareth Bale seeing them to a 2-1 victory.

That match was the other semi-final in Scotland’s qualifying pathway and the result means that Steve Clarke’s side will head to Cardiff in June if they get past Ukraine.

The status of that match is still unclear due to the ongoing situation surrounding the Russian invasion.

As things stand, Scotland are scheduled to face Ukraine at Hampden in June, with the winner to face Wales days later.

The other outcome of the Welsh victory is that the Scots will now take on Austria in an international friendly match in Vienna next week.

When is Austria v Scotland international friendly?

The match is due to take place on Tuesday, March 29 with a 19:45 (UK time) kick off.

The Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna will host the fixture.

Scotland and Austria met twice in their qualifying group for the World Cup finals with the two nations firstly playing out a 2-2 draw at Hampden Park in March 2021.

The reverse fixture in Austria was a crucial one for both sides and it was won 1-0 by Scotland courtesy of a Lyndon Dykes penalty.

Is Austria v Scotland on TV?

The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event with coverage starting at 19:00 (UK time).

The game is also available to stream online via NOW TV or the Sky Go app.

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