Scotland Hold Denmark in Fierce World Cup Qualifier
The World Cup qualifiers got off to a tense start in Copenhagen, where Denmark and Scotland fought to a goalless draw. Parken Stadium was buzzing with over 35,000 fans in attendance, but despite the lively atmosphere, neither side managed to break the deadlock.
Scotland came into the game under a bit of pressure. Many had doubted Steve Clarke’s team selection, and the lineup raised eyebrows before kick-off. A switch to a more traditional 4-4-2 formation and the absence of certain familiar names had some supporters calling it “same old, boring Scotland.” But what looked cautious on paper turned out to be disciplined and determined on the pitch.
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The Scots started brightly, even unsettling Denmark in the opening minutes with high pressing and bundles of energy. Ryan Christie had a good header that went narrowly wide, while John McGinn found himself at the back post but couldn’t quite finish. The best chance, though, came in the second half when Scott McTominay showed real drive by weaving his way to the goal-line. His cut-back nearly found the net, but Kasper Schmeichel stood firm. Lyndon Dykes also squandered a golden opportunity by hesitating too long in front of goal.
Denmark, meanwhile, had most of their chances from distance. Long-range strikes were fired in, but very few truly tested Angus Gunn in the Scotland goal. The one real heart-stopping moment came late on, when Gunn had to react quickly to deny Rasmus Højlund’s close-range volley. A moment of controversy followed as substitute Max Johnston handled the ball when chasing back. A red card seemed possible after a VAR check, but the referee stuck with yellow, to Scotland’s relief.
In the end, Kasper Schmeichel himself admitted it was probably a fair result. The Danes had possession but couldn’t carve Scotland open, while Clarke’s side relied on grit, discipline, and quick counter-attacks. Former players and pundits praised Grant Hanley and Aaron Hickey for their defensive work, with the whole backline described as “first class.”
This draw may feel small in the bigger picture, but it could prove crucial. Denmark are the top seeds in the group, so holding them at home not only gives Scotland a point, it also dents one of their biggest rivals early in the campaign. As BBC’s Tom English put it, “a bit of pain was inflicted on the road.”
Now attention turns to Monday, when Scotland face Belarus in Hungary—played behind closed doors because Belarus cannot host matches at home. With a point already secured in Copenhagen, the chance to make it four from six in the opening week of qualifiers is there for the taking. For a nation waiting since 1998 to see their team at a World Cup, it feels like the campaign has started with quiet promise.
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