Alex MacQuoid
Scotland’s World Cup Hopes Hinge on Crucial Clash with Denmark
Scotland faces a winner-takes-all World Cup qualifier against Denmark at Hampden Park on Tuesday, with the Scots needing a victory to secure automatic qualification. Despite a 3-2 defeat in Greece on Saturday, a draw for Belarus against Denmark has kept Scotland’s hopes alive.
Former Scotland strikers Billy Dodds and James McFadden discussed the team’s performance and the upcoming match. Dodds questioned the team’s cautious approach, while McFadden criticized their defending and lack of aggression.
“We are at our best when John McGinn is driving forward, when Scott McTominay is getting into the box, and when Andy Robertson is getting crosses into the box,” McFadden said. “The last three games have not been like that.”
Steve Clarke, Scotland’s manager, admitted the team needs to believe in themselves more. McFadden echoed this sentiment, suggesting a lack of confidence might be affecting the players.
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Dodds expects Clarke to keep the same formation but tweak personnel, possibly replacing Grant Hanley with Scott McKenna for added pace. McFadden believes Clarke will stick with Che Adams up front, despite Adams’ recent injury.
The availability of Billy Gilmour is uncertain, as he has been receiving treatment with his club, Napoli. McFadden suggested Clarke might change the formation if Gilmour is unavailable.
Denmark, meanwhile, is dealing with internal issues. They were booed off after their draw with Belarus, and their head coach, Brian Riemer, expressed frustration. A stomach bug is also circulating in their camp, which Dodds hopes will affect their performance.
McFadden recalled the “unbelievable” noise at Hampden during previous crucial matches, such as against the Netherlands in 2003 and Italy in 2007. He believes the atmosphere will be similar this time, with the fans’ support potentially making a difference.
Dodds and McFadden have personal memories of high-stakes matches. Dodds remembered the 1999 play-off against England, while McFadden recalled his missed chance against Italy. Both emphasized the importance of belief and performance.
“Denmark are a good side, but they’re not one of the best teams in the world,” McFadden said. “We always have one big performance in a campaign, and we haven’t had it yet. We’re saving it up for Denmark.”
Dodds agreed, stating, “Lady Luck’s on our side.” With the World Cup on the line, Scotland will be looking to deliver a historic performance.