“We will a World Cup. Not dangerous.”
Steve Clarke cracked greater than a slight smile as the fact of what his Scotland facet had achieved on an epic evening 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 stated initially of the marketing campaign I felt the strain of the nation to try to get to the World Cup, so instantly that falls off your shoulders and you’re feeling a little bit bit higher,” he stated.
“What a unbelievable 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 unbelievable, it feels nice.
“Each single one in all them gave what they’d, gave what they might 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 gorgeous 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 an excellent 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 achieve the final World Cup.
“After we misplaced to Ukraine, I spoke at size. It was one in all my longest speeches earlier than the sport or one in all my longer chats with the gamers,” he added.
“And we spoke at size in regards to the journey, so Serbia, we talked it by way of, how we did it, and the way we felt.
Scotland have certified for the World Cup for the primary time since 1998
“I drew a giant unhappy face on the board and stated how we spoke about Ukraine how we felt.
“And clearly, attending to Euro 2024 was a excessive.
“We spoke in regards to the journey a little bit bit and I instructed them to recollect how we felt after Ukraine and to bottle that feeling.
“I bear in mind on the time after I spoke, it’s important to bear in mind how dangerous you’re feeling and be sure that subsequent time you get to that stage, you recover from the road.
“Now the marketing campaign’s been up and down.
“However we ended up with probably the most factors. They made the group, made a liar of me as a result of I instructed them initially of the marketing campaign, you will want 14 factors to qualify. We solely wanted 13, good.”
Robertson: One of many best nights of our lives
Andy Robertson received his ninetieth cap as Scotland secured World Cup qualification
Andy Robertson to BBC Sport:
“The supervisor’s speech earlier than the sport within the resort was unbelievable. He went by way of the large moments we have had.
“Serbia was the most effective 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 bit about his life and the lads have been fairly emotional. To do it for him, all of the workers, all our households, it should go down as one of many best 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 evening he helped Scotland qualify for his or her first World Cup in 28 years
Andy Robertson to BBC Sport:
“We actually put the nation by way of it, however I am certain it is going to be price it. We will the World Cup!
“I knew the age I am at this may be my final likelihood to get to the World Cup.
“I could not get my mate Diogo Jota out of my head immediately. We spoke a lot collectively in regards to the World Cup. When he missed out in Qatar by way of harm and I missed out when Scotland by no means went.
“We at all times mentioned what it might be like going to this World Cup. I do know he’ll be someplace smiling over me tonight.”
McGinn: Gaffer’s staff discuss 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 staff discuss was distinctive earlier than we left the resort. What we have been by way of collectively has been excellent.
“It’s a privilege each time we meet up. It’s simply humble guys desirous to do nicely for our nation. We left every little thing on the market. We will a World Cup. I simply cannot consider it!
“I believed we have been fairly garbage to be sincere, however who cares?! Denmark, even with 10 males, they moved the ball about higher and appeared extra assured.
“We have got a variety of trauma as a Scotland staff, [taken] a variety 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 focus on 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 determine the group stage fixtures.
Asserting the draw venue on the White Home in August, Trump stated the World Cup was “the largest occasion in sports activities”, whereas Infantino declared the 104 matches could be like “104 Tremendous 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 achieve the World Cup
The 2026 FIFA Males’s World Cup takes place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
It is going to be the twenty third version of the match.
