The Tartan Army secured automatic qualification to next year’s finals on an emotional evening at Hampden Park
Scotland captain Andy Robertson admitted he “couldn’t get Diogo Jota out of my head” after Scotland ended a 28-year wait to reach a men’s World Cup finals, adding that his late Liverpool teammate would be “somewhere smiling over me tonight”.
Scotland beat Denmark 4-2 in an enthralling encounter at Hampden Park to clinch automatic qualification to football’s greatest show for the first time since 1998.
Scott McTominay set Steve Clarke’s men on their way with a spectacular overhead kick inside the opening four minutes.
The visitors hit back and deservedly levelled through Rasmus Hojlund’s penalty before Brian Riemer’s men were reduced to 10 men when Rasmus Kristensen received a second booking.
Substitute Lawrence Shankland restored the lead for Scotland – who knew only victory would secure top spot in the group – but again they were pegged back when Patrick Dorgu fired in with nine minutes remaining.
However, goals from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean in stoppage time ensured it would be one of Scotland’s finest hours as the Tartan Army booked their place at next summer’s showpiece event.
After the game, an emotional Robertson admitted Jota, who died in a car accident alongside his brother, Andre Silva, in June, was firmly in his thoughts.
“[It was] one of the craziest games of football,” Robetson said.
“We’ve certainly put the country through it, but I’m sure it’s worth it: we’re going to the World Cup and I can’t believe it.
“I think I hid it well but today I’ve been in bits. I knew this was my last chance of going to the World Cup. I couldn’t get my mate Diogo Jota out of my head today. We spoke so much about the World Cup.
“He missed out last time because of injury, I missed out because Scotland didn’t qualify and we always discussed what it would be like. I know he’ll be somewhere smiling over me tonight. I couldn’t get him out of my head all day.”
The 31-year-old also revealed that Clarke had given a stirring speech to the players before kick-off and admitted the victory was “one of the greatest nights of my life”.
Robertson said: “I’m just so glad it’s ended up this way. [To the interviewer Kelly Cates] I can’t wait to get down to Liverpool and share a wine with your dad.
“The manager’s speech before the game was unbelievable. He went through the moments we’ve had together. Serbia was one of the best nights of our lives, when the world was in a dead strange place. Ukraine here was one of the toughest.
Then he said, ‘Let’s make it another one.’ He went into a bit about his life as well. The lads were quite emotional. To do it for him, the staff and all the families – it’s one of the greatest nights of my life.”
