And by the close of play results had conspired to ensure that the final day of the tournament will see an Auld Enemy clash.
With results in the second group stage sending Scotland into the Mexico City Cup for the final two days, yesterday began with another nerve jangling defeat.
This time the opponents were Norway and once again it was to be a defeat in a sudden death penalty shoot-out. The number of Scotland games decided on penalties in 2012 hints at how competitive the tournament has now become. It also shows how fine the margins between winning and losing can be.
The 5-5 draw and shoot-out heartbreak meant Scottish hopes of once again returning home with a trophy were dashed.
England had similarly faltered, their 7-7 draw with Czech Republic ending in defeat after penalties.
That left a final day Scotland v England clash just a game way.
England duly dispatched Hungary 6-3 before Scotland met up once again with second round opponents Ukraine.
After a penalty win on Thursday Scotland were more commanding this time, running our 9-5 winners.
So the stage was set. Scotland v England in Mexico City on the final day of the Homeless World Cup as they play off for 5th place in the Mexico City Cup.
I've been tipping Brazil to challenge for the Homeless World Cup trophy all week but they fell at the semi final stage in an engrossing - if not brutal - penalties defeat against Chile.
Hosts Mexico came through an equally bruising encounter with Indonesia, winning 9-6 to give themselves a great chance of winning their home Homeless World Cup.
Elsewhere Ireland lost to both Haiti and South Africa and will play Poland today for 7th place in the The Fundación Telmex Cup.
Wales fared better with wins against the Philippines and Argentina setting up a De la Calle a la Cancha Cup final against Peru.
Mexico's women matched the men to reach the final of the Women's Homeless World Cup where they'll face Brazil.
Key times today:
- 7:00 pm - Scotland v England
- 10:05 pm - Mexico v Brazil (Women's Homeless World Cup final)
- 10:30 pm - Mexico v Chile (2012 Homeless World Cup final)
You can watch all the final day action at www.homelessworldcup.org
Making his Mark
Scotland captain Mark Stack explain what playing in the Homeless World Cup means to him and how the work of Street Soccer Scotland helped him overcome his addiction and rebuild his confidence.
Discover more Homeless World Cup stories
Find out about the work of Street Soccer Scotland
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