Scotland left it late with their World Cup qualification.
A 93rd-minute goal from Kieran Tierney and a 98th-minute long-range effort from Kenny McLean secured the 4-2 victory over Denmark. It secured Scotland’s spot at the 2026 World Cup, their first appearance at the tournament since 1998.
Scott McTominay got things started with one of the best goals you will see. The Napoli midfielder connected beautifully with a Ben Doak cross to convert a bicycle kick and make it 1-0 within three minutes.
Denmark were able to find equalisers, though. Both to make it 1-1 and 2-2, after Scotland had edged ahead again. And the latter came despite going down to 10 men with just under 10 minutes left to play.
But two screamers late in the game, coming from Tierney and McLean meant Scotland were able to secure a dream end to the qualifying campaign.
In this article, we’ll cover:
Scotland’s approach
Scotland came flying out of the gates, looking to put Denmark under pressure with a more man-for-man approach. There was a clear emphasis on getting balls into the box for Lyndon Dykes and McTominay to attack.
Scotland’s planned approach likely changed after McTominay’s goal three minutes in. It allowed them to drop into a deeper defensive block and absorb pressure, giving Scotland something to hold onto.
Clarke’s men had just 22% possession in the first half, only making 101 passes. Their only shot was McTominay’s acrobatic finish.
Once Denmark got back in the game, winning and converting a penalty in the 57th minute, Scotland had to come out of their shell. They forced a red card for Rasmus Kristensen, allowing them to get a bit more on the ball.
In the second half, Scotland possession increased to 41% possession. But the considerable improvement was seen with their nine shots, creating two big chances and scoring three goals.
A win was the only result good enough for Scotland to secure qualification to the World Cup on the night, so the second Denmark equalised (on both occasions), it was clear Clarke was going to throw as much at it as possible, in order to get the victory.
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Multiple pressing schemes
This game saw plenty of defensive scheme changes, as mentioned with the starting gameplan, as Scotland were looking to press aggressively man-for-man from restarts.
McTominay would join Dykes at the top of the box forming a two striker front press, with a bank of four behind them configured of Doak, Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson and John McGinn.
After the initial phase of pressure, McTominay would retreat into midfield alongside Christie. Ferguson dropped just behind them, forming a 4-1-4-1 midblock.
But as the game went on, Clarke’s men began to retreat further and further, taking up a 5-4-1 shape off the ball in a low block.
Scotland were able to resist Denmark pressure until the 57th minute, making 15 clearances in the first half alone. But as the game opened back up, Clarke was able to go back to his more aggressive pressing scheme. It gave Scotland the best chance of chasing the game and grabbing a late winner.
Midfield masterclass
While McTominay will steal the headlines for his unbelievable bicycle kick opener, Ferguson deserves his plaudits in the heart of midfield.
Ferguson played a key role screening in front of the back four. He made six tackles, three interceptions and seven clearances. The midfielder also made four recoveries and won seven of his 10 ground duels, alongside two of his four aerial battles.
Ferguson was able to drop and defend deep in front of his own box, cutting out key passes from the Denmark attackers, but also able to jump when the man for man press was initiated, switching from the 4-1-4-1 to the more aggressive 4-4-2.
On the ball, he also had by far the most touches for Scotland with 63, keeping it ticking in the middle of the park when they did have possession themselves, completing 31/37 accurate passes, making one key pass and grabbing an assist on the night, setting up Lawrence Shankland for his goal to make it 2-1.
It was a fitting victory for Scotland who battled hard and secured qualification for the World Cup, in a 4-2 thriller that is bound to go down as a classic among fans and neutrals alike.
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