'Opening game against Mexico would cement Scotland return'

'Opening game against Mexico would cement Scotland return'

We've all been choosing our dream draw since Scotland secured World Cup qualification, right?

So has Gavin Noon, from Scotland's Coefficient, who wants to face co-hosts Mexico in the opening game at the Estadio Azteca - which just happens to be where Diego Maradona scored his famous 'Hand of God' goal for Argentina against England in the 1986 quarter-finals.

"Statistically, it's easier to qualify for the next round than not because we're going to a round of 32," said Noon on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"We're only going to lose 16 teams. From the 12 groups, the top two are all through, but then also third place from eight of the groups are going through.

"The hosts [Mexico, Canada and USA] probably are the best option because they're not legitimate pot one quality sides like the rest of them.

"For me, I would just want to avoid the Uefa sides, because there's 16 Uefa sides going in, four groups are going to have two Uefa teams.

"I hope that's not us because it's a bit boring. If we're getting a top team, I would rather it's Argentina than Spain, for example.

"Then I suppose from the hosts, Canada are the weakest, but Mexico is the opening ceremony.

"Obviously we've had that a couple of times before and for 40 years, I'm 36, so for more than my lifetime, every Scottish game I've gone to, the fans have been singing about what happened in the Azteca Stadium in Mexico in 1986 when Maradona punched it over the English keeper.

"For Scotland to actually go to that stadium and try and get something to sing about for themselves, rather than latching on to someone else doing something against England, that would confirm our status back at the top table."

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