Stubborn Scotland Hold Denmark in World Cup Qualifier

Stubborn Scotland Start World Cup Bid with Goalless Draw in Denmark

Copenhagen, Denmark — Scotland opened their 2025 World Cup qualifying campaign with a resilient 0-0 draw against Denmark at a loud and expectant Parken Stadium. In a disciplined and united performance, Steve Clarke’s men proved far more than the sum of their parts, defying pre-match doubts and escaping with a potentially vital point on foreign soil.

The Scots, seeking their first World Cup appearance since 1998, started on the front foot and matched the Danes stride-for-stride, a stark contrast to their 3-0 collapse in the same fixture four years ago.

Missed Chances and Brave Defending

Scotland created some of the game’s clearest chances:

• Ryan Christie headed narrowly wide in the first half.

• John McGinn missed a big opportunity at the back post.

• The best chance fell to Lyndon Dykes, who hesitated after a dazzling Scott McTominay run, allowing Kasper Schmeichel to intervene.

Denmark, managed by Brian Riemer, lacked their usual clinical edge. Their main threat came from distance until a late Rasmus Hojlund volley forced a fine save from Angus Gunn.

Scotland did ride their luck late on when substitute Max Johnston handled a long ball and was shown yellow instead of red after a VAR review. But overall, Clarke’s side were compact, aggressive, and impressively cohesive.

Tactical Gamble Pays Off for Clarke

Clarke’s unexpected 4-4-2 formation was met with skepticism before kick-off, with the absences of Ben Gannon-Doak and Billy Gilmour drawing criticism online. But the side delivered one of their most tactically astute away performances in recent years.

Aaron Hickey and McGinn stood out, while the centre-back pairing of Souttar and Hanley impressed throughout. Scotland’s game plan focused on suffocating Denmark’s attack and launching occasional breakaways — a strategy that earned them a precious point.

Quotes from the Camp

Steve Clarke (Scotland Head Coach):

“It’s a good start. A very disciplined performance, which we needed it to be. Souttar and Hanley at the back were outstanding… but it’s only one point. We go again.”

John McGinn (Midfielder):

“The effort from everyone was superb. We suffered early but managed to stay in the game. Tonight looked like a Steve Clarke team.”

Kasper Schmeichel (Denmark Goalkeeper):

“Scotland played well. They defended well. In the final third, we didn’t create enough. It was probably a fair result in the end.”

What’s Next for Scotland and Denmark?

• Scotland face Belarus on Monday in Hungary, behind closed doors, looking to build on their promising start.

• Denmark will travel to Greece, who hammered Belarus 5-1 in their opening game, in another crucial Group Stage clash.