In an emotionally charged night at Hampden Park, Scotland secured their first World Cup qualification since 1998 with a dramatic 4-2 victory over Denmark, but for captain Andy Robertson, the historic achievement was bittersweet as he paid tribute to his late Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota.
Emotional Victory Seals World Cup Return
Scotland ended their 28-year World Cup drought in spectacular fashion on Tuesday night, with stoppage-time goals from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean completing a remarkable comeback against Denmark. The victory ensured Scotland won their qualifying group in the most dramatic circumstances possible.
The home side had twice taken the lead earlier in the match through Scott McTominay and Lawrence Shankland, but faced a nervous moment when VAR intervened to award Denmark a penalty after Robertson's challenge. The Liverpool defender watched anxiously as the spot kick brought the visitors level, before the late heroics secured Scotland's place in football's premier tournament.
Robertson's Heartfelt Tribute to Fallen Teammate
As celebrations erupted around Hampden Park, an emotional Robertson revealed how thoughts of his late friend and teammate had dominated his day. Diogo Jota, the Portuguese forward who tragically died in a car crash aged just 28 last summer, had been constantly on Robertson's mind throughout the qualification decider.
"I've hid it well, but today I've been in bits," Robertson confessed after the match. "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 together about the World Cup."
The Scotland captain fought back tears as he explained their shared World Cup disappointment: "He missed out on Qatar because of injury, and I missed out because Scotland weren't in it. I know he will be somewhere smiling over me tonight."
Historic Achievement for Scottish Football
Beyond the personal emotion, Robertson reflected on the significance of Scotland's achievement, praising the collective effort that made it possible. "This group of boys, this group of staff - it's the best group I've been involved in," he stated enthusiastically.
The Liverpool star highlighted manager Steve Clarke's inspirational team talk before the match, noting how it referenced their previous success in qualifying for the European Championships. The emotional pre-game address clearly resonated with the players, who delivered when it mattered most against strong Danish opposition.
Robertson concluded by describing the victory as "one of the greatest nights of my life," a sentiment shared by Scottish football fans across the nation who have waited nearly three decades to see their team return to the World Cup stage.
