Scotland captain Andy Robertson admitted he was “in bits” earlier than their victory over Denmark which secured World Cup qualification for the primary time since 1998 as he was overcome with emotion fascinated with former Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota.
A dramatic 4-2 win booked Steve Clarke’s facet spot in North America subsequent summer time and the strain of seizing his final probability to play on the match had Robertson in turmoil within the hours main as much as kick-off as he recalled conversations with former Portugal ahead Jota, who died in a automotive crash in the summertime.
“I’ve hid it properly, however at present I’ve been in bits. I do know the age I’m at, this may very well be my final probability to go to the World Cup,” he advised the BBC.
‘I could not get my mate Diogo Jota out of my head at present’ ??
Andy Robertson on what it means to qualify for the World Cup ??#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/ngJ2TV7LLj
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) November 18, 2025
“I couldn’t get my mate Diogo Jota out of my head at present. We spoke a lot concerning the World Cup.
“He missed out final time due to harm, I missed out as a result of Scotland didn’t qualify and we at all times mentioned what it might be like going to the World Cup.
“I used to be in a little bit of hassle in my room earlier. I feel I hid it properly from the boys.
“I do know he’ll be someplace smiling over me tonight. I couldn’t get him out of my head all day.”
The Scots had been twice pegged again by 10-man Denmark after targets from Scott McTominay and Lawrence Shankland, however Kieran Tierney put them forward once more within the third added minute earlier than Kenny McLean completed it in type from the midway line.
“That simply sums up this squad. By no means say die, we simply maintain going proper to the tip,” added the Scotland captain.
“One of many craziest video games of soccer. We’ve actually put the nation via it, however I’m certain it’s price it – we’re going to the World Cup and I can’t consider it.
“This group of boys and workers, it’s the perfect group I’ve ever been concerned in. The supervisor’s speech earlier than the sport within the lodge was unbelievable.
“He went via the massive moments we’ve had. He mentioned, ‘let’s make it one other one’. To do it for him, for all of the workers, all of the households, it is among the biggest nights of my life.”
