“We’re going to a World Cup. Not bad.”
Steve Clarke cracked greater than a slight smile as the truth of what his Scotland facet had achieved on an epic night time at Hampden Park began to sink in after a dramatic 4-2 win over 10-man Denmark.
The World Cup had been a step too far for six managers since Craig Brown led the nation to France in 1998.
“I said at the start of the campaign I felt the pressure of the nation to try and get to the World Cup, so immediately that falls off your shoulders and you feel a little bit better,” he stated.
“What a improbable group of gamers, they by no means surrender.
“I’ve stated it for a very long time now about how good they’re and the way decided they’re to be good for his or her nation.
“They confirmed that tonight, I could not be happier for my gamers, I could not be happier, it is improbable, it feels nice.
“Every single one of them gave what they had, gave what they could give.
“We will the World Cup. Not dangerous.”
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Scottish followers went wild at fan parks as Scott McTominay’s beautiful overhead kick gave Scotland an early lead in opposition to Denmark of their World Cup Qualifier
Scott McTominay scored a sensational overhead kick early on, whereas substitute Kieran Tierney curled in a superb end from exterior the field to edge the Scots 3-2 in entrance in stoppage time.
Kenny McLean then sealed a well-known Scottish triumph when he lobbed Kasper Schmeichel from the midway line with the final kick of the sport.
For Clarke it eased some ache after failing to succeed in the final World Cup.
“When we lost to Ukraine, I spoke at length. It was one of my longest speeches before the game or one of my longer chats with the players,” he added.
“And we spoke at length about the journey, so Serbia, we talked it through, how we did it, and how we felt.
Scotland have certified for the World Cup for the primary time since 1998
“I drew a big sad face on the board and said how we spoke about Ukraine how we felt.
“And clearly, attending to Euro 2024 was a excessive.
“We spoke about the journey a little bit and I told them to remember how we felt after Ukraine and to bottle that feeling.
“I keep in mind on the time after I spoke, you must keep in mind how dangerous you are feeling and ensure that subsequent time you get to that stage, you recover from the road.
“Now the campaign’s been up and down.
“However we ended up with essentially the most factors. They made the group, made a liar of me as a result of I instructed them firstly of the marketing campaign, you may want 14 factors to qualify. We solely wanted 13, sensible.”
Robertson: One of many biggest nights of our lives
Andy Robertson received his ninetieth cap as Scotland secured World Cup qualification
Andy Robertson to BBC Sport:
“The manager’s speech before the game in the hotel was unbelievable. He went through the big moments we’ve had.
“Serbia was probably the greatest nights of my life when the world was in a wierd place. Ukraine was one of many hardest, getting beat right here, and qualifying for the Euros. He stated, ‘Let’s make it one other one’.
“He went into a little bit about his life and the lads were quite emotional. To do it for him, all the staff, all our families, it will go down as one of the greatest nights of our lives.”
Robertson: Jota is smiling over me tonight
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Scotland captain Andy Robertson remembers Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota on the night time he helped Scotland qualify for his or her first World Cup in 28 years
Andy Robertson to BBC Sport:
“We certainly put the country through it, but I’m sure it will be worth it. We’re going to the World Cup!
“I knew the age I am at this might be my final likelihood to get 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. When he missed out in Qatar through injury and I missed out when Scotland never went.
“We all the time mentioned what it will be like going to this World Cup. I do know he’ll be someplace smiling over me tonight.”
McGinn: Gaffer’s group speak was distinctive
Scott McTominay leads Scotland’s celebrations on the full-time whistle of their sensational victory over Denmark
Scotland’s John McGinn to BBC Sport:
“The gaffer’s team talk was exceptional before we left the hotel. What we’ve been through together has been outstanding.
“It’s a privilege each time we meet up. It’s simply humble guys eager to do nicely for our nation. We left every thing on the market. We will a World Cup. I simply can’t imagine it!
“I thought we were pretty rubbish to be honest, but who cares?! Denmark, even with 10 men, they moved the ball about better and looked more assured.
“We have lots of trauma as a Scotland group, [taken] lots of hits. However to recover from the road is an incredible feeling.”
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Again Pages Tonight talk about Scotland’s unimaginable 4-2 win over Denmark that despatched them to the 2026 World Cup
The draw for the 2026 World Cup will happen in Washington on Friday December 5.
President Trump will be part of FIFA President Gianni Infantino on the John F Kennedy Middle – a performing arts venue the place Trump is chairman – to resolve the group stage fixtures.
Saying the draw venue on the White Home in August, Trump stated the World Cup was “the biggest event in sports”, whereas Infantino declared the 104 matches could be like “104 Super Bowls”.
The draw will happen from 12pm native time (5pm UK time).
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Luke Shanley provides his ideas after Scotland’s epic victory over Denmark to succeed in the World Cup
The 2026 FIFA Males’s World Cup takes place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
It will likely be the twenty third version of the event.
