IT was the most rowdy of classrooms but there were lessons to be learned amid the extraordinary tumult of the National Stadium in Poland on Tuesday night.

Scotland's 2-2 draw against Poland will not define the group but it was significant in that it illustrated several truths about a campaign that has already proved fascinating after just three match days. Strangely, if perhaps only temporarily, Germany have been drawn into a dogfight on qualification but the battle for a berth on the voyage to France that has strong combatants in Poland, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

Here are reflections on the good and the concerning over Scotland's prospects . . .

10 The bad news is that every decent Scottish result is trumped by a rival achieving an unexpected bonus: see Poland on Saturday and Republic on Tuesday, both against Germany.

9 The good news is that Scotland have shown themselves to have the ability to retain possession even in tight areas. James Morrison of West Bromwich Albion excelled in this category against Poland.

8 Scotland have undoubted class in certain positions. The goalkeeping berth, for all David Marshall's early nervousness on Tuesday, has three viable contenders, the midfield is so solid Darren Fletcher can be placed on the bench and Steven Fletcher is the sort of modern No.9 who can play people in. A goal would be welcome, however. He is still an influential player as the first goal showed.

7 Scotland have defensive frailties. Russell Martin and Gordon Greer were excellent but Poland also had other chances to score. Andy Robertson was dropped to add defensive stability but Alan Hutton on the other flank was culpable for both goals. He can be breathtaking in attack but can also be exploited defensively. This has been noticed by opposition coaches.

6 The defensive problems have caused Strachan to adapt his plans. He is now conscious that his full-backs have to tuck in to cover, thus reducing their offensive capability. He has also employed two holding midfielders in Scott Brown and Morrison to provide further insurance. His first instinct is to have his defenders to bring the ball out but that role now falls to Morrison. He can expect to be pressed strongly and early in subsequent group matches.

5 Back to positives. Ikechi Anya. Last seen at 3.30am outside Glasgow airport looking for a tube of toothpaste and a bag of ice for a sore leg as he prepared for a night in a nearby hotel before a flight to London. The Watford winger has been wonderful. He has shown composure and technique in attack but is willing to make the long run back to help his full-back.

4 Scotland's fate is to be in the best group in the tournament. This may fray nerves but it guarantees excitement. A Friday night match against the Republic of Ireland at Celtic Park offers so many plot lines that it could be adapted into a mini-series. Strachan will now be assailed by a volley of questions over "must-win games".

3 And this will not disturb him. One of Scotland's strengths is that they have a manager who knows the realities of the job. He admitted he was drained after Tuesday night's epic game but he did not shrink beforehand at the size of the task facing his team. There is simply no doubt that his players react to this positivity. This is a happy camp but not a complacent one. If Darren Fletcher can be dropped, then no-one is sure of a place.

2 There is a strategy, a plan and it is welded to both pragmatism but, crucially, to adventurous values. Strachan has started all three matches with the most attacking options. Anya away against Germany? A belligerent front six against Georgia? And Steven Fletcher, Steven Naismith, Shaun Maloney and Anya all in from the start against Poland when a more solid midfielder - say James McArthur or Darren Fletcher - could have been picked? These are bold decisions that hearten the players. They have been rewarded by good performances and a promising start to the group.

1 The spirit of 2014. The minimum requirement of any professional footballer should be the necessity to give all. This has been obvious in all three matches. And in every player. However, it has been complemented by a resilience and a willingness to adapt to the benefit of the team Steven Naismith, for example, has played better than in his last two matches but will be praised for scoring his goal on Tuesday. More significant, though, was his dedication to playing wide right for a demanding spell and rattling into a series of defensive challenges. This is Scotland 2014. It gives substance to hopes that Scotland 2016 might just be playing in France.