In a night of high drama and unbridled joy, the Scotland national football team ended a 28-year wait to qualify for the World Cup, only for one of their key players to be absent from the immediate celebrations.
The Moment of Glory and a Personal Setback
Scotland secured their place at the 2025 World Cup with a sensational 4-2 victory over Denmark on Tuesday night, a win sealed by two incredible stoppage-time goals that sent Glasgow into raptures. However, amidst the wild scenes on the pitch and in the dressing room, Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn was forced to step away.
The talismanic player was selected for a routine post-match drugs test, a mandatory procedure that meant he could not join his teammates as they began to celebrate their historic achievement. McGinn took to Instagram to share his unique predicament, posting a selfie of himself alone with a straight face.
He captioned the image: "Drugs test, not allowed in the changing room, can't write it", perfectly capturing the frustration of missing out on a once-in-a-generation moment with his national squad.
A Dramatic Climax on the Pitch
The match itself was a rollercoaster, culminating in a finish that will be etched into Scottish football folklore. With the game poised at 2-2 deep into added time, Kieran Tierney curled in a stunning goal to put Scotland ahead.
Minutes later, with Denmark pushing for an equaliser, Kenny McLean of Norwich City spotted Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel off his line and audaciously scored from inside his own half, sparking pandemonium at Hampden Park and confirming Scotland's first World Cup appearance since 1998.
The full-time whistle triggered jubilant scenes as the entire squad and staff embraced on the pitch, their 28-year wait finally over.
Mixed Emotions and Unwavering Trust
Speaking after the match, McGinn gave a candid assessment, stating, "I thought we were pretty rubbish, to be honest, but who cares." He praised Denmark's performance even with ten men but emphasised the overwhelming feeling of achievement. "We’ve had a lot of trauma as a Scotland team, we take a lot of hits. To get over the line, it’s an amazing feeling," he added.
Manager Steve Clarke, who has now masterminded qualification for successive European Championships and a World Cup, was effusive in his praise for his squad. "Really simple - what a fantastic group of players. Unbelievable," Clarke stated.
He revealed the depth of his trust in the team, noting, "I woke up this morning, and as a manager you normally wake up with that tight feeling in your stomach. I didn't have it this morning... it's because I trust my players so much." This implicit faith was rewarded with one of the greatest nights in modern Scottish football history, a night John McGinn will forever remember, even if part of it was spent in a quiet room rather than a bouncing dressing room.
