Scotland 2-0 Denmark: John Souttar and Che Adams’ goals ensure Steve Clarke’s side will play their World Cup play-off semi-final at HOME after ending their opponents’ unbeaten record in qualifying
- John Souttar put Scotland ahead in the first half from a John McGinn corner
- Che Adams then wrapped the game up late on with fantastic finish
- The win means Scotland are seeded for the World Cup play-offs next year
The good news: Scotland are in the form of their lives and will be seeded for the World Cup play-offs. The bad news: those matches are four months away and Italy or Portugal could yet lie between them and a first World Cup in 24 years.
But let us enjoy this brave and brilliant performance for a moment, a sixth straight victory thanks to goals in each half from John Souttar and Che Adams, bringing closure to the perfect record of group winners Denmark.
Steve Clarke’s side played with ferocity and flair. They are on a special journey and have some special players, especially in the shape of Billy Gilmour and John McGinn. That midfield pair set the standard here, and it was a level deserving of the grandest stage. Maybe that will come in Qatar in 12 months’ time.
John Souttar celebrates scoring for Scotland in the first half of their match against Denmark
Che Adams then wrapped up the victory with a superb finish late on at Hampden Park
Adams leads the wild celebrations on an impressive night for Scotland against Denmark
But what a shame the play-offs aren’t this weekend. Instead, they must wait until March, where a home semi-final is guaranteed against an unseeded nation. Another night like this in front of a sold-out Hampden Park and they will breeze into the final.
But the fate of the balls during next Friday’s draw in Zurich is perhaps just as significant as those kicked during qualification, especially when a fair wind could land them in the same pathway as North Macedonia, Finland and Wales.
There is also a less attractive scenario. Serbia’s Aleksandar Mitrovic was the toast of Scotland last year when his missed penalty sent the Tartan Army on their way to Euro 2020.
There were jubilant scenes at the final whistle as Scotland ran out 2-0 winners
Scotland’s win over Denmark means they will be seeded for the World Cup play-offs
Those same fans were chucking their Brew Dog at the TV on Sunday as the striker’s 90th-minute winner in Portugal sealed qualification at the expense of Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. Then came news on full-time here of European champions Italy also dropping into the play-offs.
For Scotland to be drawn in the same pot as either of those big guns would have the feel of air escaping a balloon, even if they can only meet in the final.
But boy, in this mood they should not fear anyone. Souttar, on his first appearance in three years, headed the opener on 35 minutes before Che Adams sealed a memorable victory after racing clear four minutes from time.
Clarke said: ‘When I took this job there was a lot of negativity. Now there is positivity. The players can feel the love of the crowd.’
Scotland are in such good form, they’d be forgiven for wishing the play-offs were this weekend
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