“We’re going to the World Cup. It’s not bad.”
Steve Clarke smiled more than a little as the reality of what his Scottish side had achieved on a spectacular night at Hampden Park began to sink in after their dramatic 4-2 10-a-side win over Denmark.
The World Cup was a step too far for six managers since Craig Brown took charge of France in 1998.
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Scotland fans go into a frenzy as two late goals against Denmark seal a place in the 2026 World Cup
“I said at the beginning of the campaign that I was feeling pressure from the public to play in the World Cup, but it quickly fell off my shoulders and I felt a little better,” he said.
“What a great group of players, they never give up.
“I have been saying for a long time how good they are and how good they are going to do for the country.
“They showed me tonight that I couldn’t be happier for the players, I couldn’t be happier, it’s great, it feels great.
“They all gave everything they had and gave everything they could.
“We’re going to the World Cup. It’s not bad.”
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Scottish fans go wild at Fan Park after Scott McTominay’s stunning overhead kick gives Scotland an early lead against Denmark in World Cup qualifying
Scott McTominay scored a sensational overhead kick early on and substitute Kieran Tierney scored a superb goal from outside the box to give Scotland a 3-2 lead in stoppage time.
Kenny McLean then lobbed Kasper Schmeichel from the halfway line with the final kick of the match, sealing Scotland’s famous victory.
For Clark, it eased some of the pain after missing out on the last World Cup.
“When we lost against Ukraine, I spoke at length. It was one of my longest speeches before the game, or one of my long chats with the players,” he added.
“And, Serbia, we talked in detail about the trip, how we did it and how we felt.
Scotland qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998
“I drew a big sad face on the blackboard and told them how we felt about Ukraine.
“And obviously going to Euro 2024 was great.
“We talked a little about the trip and told them to remember how we felt after Ukraine and cherish those feelings.
“I remember when I spoke, I remembered how bad I felt and the next time I get to that stage I have to make sure I get over the line.
“Right now, the campaign is going through ups and downs.
“But in the end we ended up scoring the most points. They formed a group and made me a liar because I told them at the beginning of the campaign that we needed 14 points to qualify. We only needed 13 points, great.”
Robertson: One of the best nights of my life.
Andy Robertson wins 90th cap as Scotland qualify for the World Cup
Andy Robertson told BBC Sport:
“The manager’s speech in the hotel before the game was unbelievable. He got us through the big moments we had.
“Serbia was one of the best nights of my life, when the world was in a strange situation. Ukraine was one of the toughest games and we lost there and qualified for the Euros. He said, ‘Let’s try one more time.’
“He talked a little bit about his life and the players were very emotional. To be able to do that for him, all the staff and all of our families will be remembered as one of the best nights of our lives.”
Robertson: Jota is smiling at me tonight.
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Scotland captain Andy Robertson recalls the night Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota helped Scotland qualify for their first World Cup in 28 years
Andy Robertson told BBC Sport:
“We certainly put the country in trouble, but I’m sure it was worth it. We’re going to the World Cup!”
“I knew that my age was my last chance to play in the World Cup.
“I couldn’t get my mate Diogo Jota out of my mind today. We talked a lot about the World Cup together. When he missed Qatar with injury, when Scotland missed out, that’s when I missed out.
“We always talked about what it would be like to go to this World Cup, and tonight he’ll be smiling at me somewhere.”
McGinn: Gaffer’s team talk was exceptional
Scott McTominay leads Scotland’s celebrations at the full-time whistle of sensational win over Denmark
Scotland’s John McGinn told BBC Sport:
“The story of the coaching team before we left the hotel was special. The experience we had together was great.
“It’s an honor every time I meet them. They’re humble people who want to do their best for their country. We left everything behind. We’re going to the World Cup. I can’t believe it!”
“To be honest, I thought we were pretty scrappy, but who cares?! Denmark moved the ball better even with 10 men and looked more confident.
“We’ve had a lot of trauma as a Scottish team and we’ve taken a lot of hits, but it feels great to get over the line.”
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Backpage Tonight we discuss Scotland’s stunning 4-2 win over Denmark to qualify for the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup draw will take place on Friday, December 5th in Washington.
President Trump will join FIFA President Gianni Infantino to determine group stage brackets at the John F. Kennedy Center, the performing arts venue where Trump is chairman.
When announcing the lottery venue at the White House in August, President Trump said the World Cup was “the biggest event in sports,” while Infantino declared the 104 games would be like “the 104th Super Bowl.”
The draw will take place from 12pm local time (5pm UK time).
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Luke Shanley shares his thoughts after Scotland’s big win over Denmark to qualify for the World Cup
The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
This will be the 23rd tournament.
