Scotland manager George Burley has challenged his players to upset the formbook and end Holland's unbeaten run to boost their chances of reaching the World Cup finals.

Burley's side are second in Group Nine following the 2-0 home win over Macedonia on Saturday.

However, the Scots need all three points against the Dutch - who have won all seven games - if they are to have a chance of a play-off spot.

If Northern Ireland fail to win at home against Slovakia tonight, and Poland draw with Slovenia, then a Scotland win would guarantee them a two-legged play-off in November.

But if results do not go their way, the Tartan Army could be left sweating over their fate for another month until all the qualifying games have been played.

Burley said: "If we win the game, then it takes care of itself. It's a big opportunity, a huge task but one that we are looking forward to. We are hoping to win against one of the top countries in the world."

Scotland are not the only nation to go through a nerve-racking evening. Portugal face an uphill struggle if they are to make the finals next year.

Despite possessing the world's most expensive footballer in Cristiano Ronaldo (above), they are languishing in fourth place in Group One - seven points behind leaders Denmark, who themselves can seal qualification with a win in Albania.

Portugal must therefore beat Hungary to stand a chance of battling for a place in the play-offs.

Likewise, France cannot afford to slip up against Group Seven leaders Serbia but the situation is more worrying for Argentina. If Diego Maradona's team lose in Paraguay and Ecuador and Colombia both win, Argentina will drop to sixth and end any hopes of reaching the finals.