Scotland captain Andy Robertson delivered an emotional tribute to his late Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota after leading his nation to their first World Cup qualification since 1998 with a dramatic 4-2 victory over Denmark.
Emotional Turmoil Before Historic Match
The Liverpool defender confessed he had been 'in bits' throughout the day leading up to the crucial qualifier, overwhelmed by thoughts of his friend who died in a car crash earlier this year. Robertson revealed the profound impact of their shared World Cup dreams that never materialised together.
'I've hid it well, but today I've been in bits,' Robertson told the BBC. 'I know the age I'm at, this could be my last chance to go 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.'
Dramatic Victory Secures Qualification
Steve Clarke's side secured their place in the 2026 World Cup in North America following what Robertson described as 'one of the craziest games of football'. The match saw Scotland twice pegged back by 10-man Denmark after goals from Scott McTominay and Lawrence Shankland.
The dramatic turning point came when Kieran Tierney put Scotland ahead in the third minute of added time, before Kenny McLean sealed the historic victory with a spectacular finish from the halfway line.
Tribute to Fallen Teammate
Robertson shared poignant details about his friendship with Jota, explaining how both players had missed previous World Cup opportunities - Jota through injury and Robertson through Scotland's failure to qualify.
'We always discussed what it would be like going to the World Cup,' the emotional captain revealed. 'I was in a bit of trouble in my room earlier. I think I hid it well from the boys. I know he'll be somewhere smiling over me tonight. I couldn't get him out of my head all day.'
The Scotland skipper praised his team's never-say-die attitude, describing the current squad as 'the best group I've ever been involved in' and highlighting manager Steve Clarke's inspirational pre-match speech that referenced their previous big moments together.
For Robertson, the victory represented not just professional achievement but personal redemption, delivering on a promise to his late friend and creating what he called 'one of the greatest nights of my life' for the entire Scottish football community.
