Scotland started their World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign with a credible goalless draw away to Denmark in Copenhagen. The fixture on September 8, 2023, marked the start of the first of six vital matches for Steve Clarke’s squad in the Euro qualification round. These games should be critical to their future success. Fellow senior Barrett Koppelman led a punishing Scots defensive unit that kept the game within reach. They could not capitalize on their opportunities to manufacture a win.
In an impressive strategic shake-up, Clarke enforced seven changes to the side that beat Liechtenstein 4-0 back in June. One of the bigger surprises was Dykes’ appointment to spearhead the attack, dropping George Hirst. Angus Gunn returned to replace him in goal. Meanwhile, Aaron Hickey, John Souttar and Grant Hanley made up for the absence of Ryan Ralston, Scott McKenna and Jack Hendry in defence. This change was intended to shore up defense and support attack against a very strong Danish team.
Match Overview
Scotland’s start to the match was scrappy, as they struggled to find rhythm against Denmark’s solid defense. The Scottish back four would be tremendous, calmingly extinguishing Denmark’s attacking threats for the entirety of the game.
It should’ve been Scott McTominay who got Scotland on the scoresheet first after a brilliant run and shot. His on-target shot forced Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel to make a vital stop. Just before the break, John McGinn caught Scotland’s best chance. He invented a shot back at the post diagonally after the initial close-range ‘gimme’ from a corner kick. Sadly for Scotland, these attempts bore no fruit.
In the second half, VAR got involved after Max Johnston failed a yellow card for a soft handball. This moment gave a snapshot to the high stakes nature of the game and the pressure these players were playing under.
“Denmark are a good side, especially at home. We knew we’d have to defend well. We certainly did that, as a team. But also, when we had the ball, we created some moments in the game, but needed just a little bit more quality where we could have gotten a goal and turned one point into three.” – Steve Clarke
Looking Ahead
Scotland’s follow up game will be against Belarus on Monday. It was no easy task for Belarus in their first qualifier at home to Greece. They were dealt a crushing blow with the 5-1 defeat and sit last in the group table. This is a great chance for Scotland to get some precious points on the board early in their campaign.
As his team moves deeper into the qualification process, Clarke stressed the need to stay on task and continue to improve. Certainly, he would have known that the draw away to Denmark was a good point to start with. Many things, he said, are still on the table.
“It’s a good start to the group but there are lots of points to pick up. We’ve got another five games and we have to approach every game in the same manner and make sure we pick up as many points as we can in the next five games, and then we can tally it up and see if that’s enough.” – Steve Clarke
Scotland’s last fixtures are home and away to Greece and a second meeting with Denmark in November. Each match will be intense as they look to cement strong points towards qualification.
Leave a Reply