Nations League Draw: Scotland to face Ireland, Ukraine and Armenia

Scotland have this evening found out who they will play in the Nations League of 2022. The draw took place in Nyon at earlier this evening. Scotland have seen the benefits of this mini-tournament in the past, helping them gain entry to the Euro 2020 play-offs through winning their group the first time around.

Tonight’s draw has brought about an interesting group for the Scots heading into the New Year. Steve Clarke’s men have been paired with the Republic of Ireland, Armenia, and World Cup play-off semi-final opponents Ukraine in what promises to be a very even group of international sides.

Callum McGregor of Scotland celebrates after scoring their side’s first goal during the UEFA Euro 2020 Championship Group D match between Croatia and Scotland at Hampden Park on June 22, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Paul Ellis – Pool/Getty Images)

Ukraine will undoubtedly be the hardest test of them all. Scotland have history of beating Ukraine at Hampden Park and will fancy their chances again in both the World Cup play-offs and the Nations League. Likewise, the Republic of Ireland have always thrown up decent clashes with Scotland in the past and are in no way the same side that Giovanni Trappatoni guided to major tournaments some years ago.

Armenia is more of an unknown quantity however, with not much history between the two sides. Scotland will be happy with a group that looks bad more appealing than some of the others that the home nations have got tonight. Wales have been paired with both Germany and the Netherlands in a very tough draw.

Scotland should be looking forward to these games in the Nations League with another opportunity to nab a play-off place for the upcoming Euros of 2024 in Germany. After qualifying for Euro 2020 in the summer just past, the players must be eager to sample more major tournaments with the national side with the chance to showcase their talents to a massive audience.