Scotland Hold Denmark to a Gritty Draw in World Cup Opener
Scotland’s World Cup qualifying campaign got underway in Copenhagen with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Denmark, and while it wasn’t the most glamorous of games, it was exactly the kind of disciplined performance Steve Clarke had asked for. The Scots hadn’t forgotten their last trip to Denmark, when they were outplayed and beaten 2-0, but this time they arrived with a plan, a stubborn defence, and just enough attacking intent to make the hosts nervous.
Denmark, playing in front of their home crowd, saw plenty of the ball but struggled to turn possession into real chances. Scotland’s back line, led superbly by Grant Hanley, was organised, composed, and simply refused to be broken down. The Danes’ frustration was clear, especially with Christian Eriksen left out of the squad, and fans voiced their displeasure as the final whistle blew.
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For Scotland, this was more than just a point—it was a statement. Clarke surprised many by starting with two strikers, Che Adams and Lyndon Dykes, instead of his usual more conservative setup. It was a brave call, but as he explained afterward, bravery is part of his job. That decision nearly paid off when Adams came close and John McGinn scuffed a golden opportunity at the back post. There was also a moment when Dykes delayed a shot that should have given Scotland the lead, only to be denied by last-ditch Danish defending.
Still, the real story was the defensive shape. Every player pulled their weight, from the midfield tracking runners to goalkeeper Angus Gunn dealing calmly with the few serious efforts Denmark managed. Former Scotland captain Scott Brown praised the side’s work rate, while pundits like Willie Miller highlighted how the defensive organisation ensured that Denmark never truly carved them open.
Clarke, though, was quick to temper any celebrations. He reminded everyone that while this was a good start, there are still five more tough fixtures to navigate, including a quick turnaround against Belarus, who lost heavily to Greece. His message was clear: humility, consistency, and leaving everything on the pitch will be essential if Scotland are to finally reach a World Cup for the first time since 1998.
The reaction from fans was mixed. Some applauded the defensive grit and the fact that a top-ranked side had been held away from home. Others felt that Scotland could have been more adventurous, pointing to exciting talents still waiting on the bench. But even the sceptics admitted that avoiding defeat in Denmark was no small achievement.
In the end, this was a night when Scotland didn’t just take a point—they also damaged one of their main rivals in the group. The road to the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026 will be long and difficult, but this draw in Copenhagen will be remembered as a solid, if unspectacular, first step.
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