So now things have become a little clearer.
Scotland will finish either first or second in their World Cup qualification group. And they will either earn an automatic place in the finals or will have to endure the tension of March's play-offs.
Victory for Steve Clarke's side against Belarus, combined with Denmark's win over Greece, means those two sides will now go head-to-head to determine who will be in November's draw for the finals and who will have to wait.
Scotland travel to face Greece next month, while Denmark welcome Belarus. Then the sides reconvene at Hampden for what could be a winner-takes-all encounter.
Scotland and Denmark are both on 10 points.
