Denmark’s late collapse against Scotland costs World Cup qualification
Denmark’s hopes for automatic qualification to the 2026 World Cup were shattered in a dramatic final moments against Scotland, as Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean scored in added time, securing a 4-2 victory for the Scots, reports BritPanorama.
Leading Group C, Denmark seemed close to securing their place in next summer’s tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, but left Glasgow in disbelief following their late-game collapse.
The loss condemned Denmark to the play-offs alongside Italy, Turkey, and Ukraine, a significant setback for a team that had previously fielded confidence in their qualifying campaign.
A visibly upset Joachim Andersen, who is renowned for his performance throughout the qualifiers, expressed his frustration shortly after the match. “I am incredibly sad,” he said. “The results we have delivered in the last two games are laughable. I think we played a good game. They score a freak goal. He will never score a goal like that again in his career.”
Scott McTominay’s stunning overhead kick early in the match provided Scotland with a shock lead, a moment that left many in the Danish camp rattled. As tensions escalated, Denmark faced further challenges when Rasmus Kristensen received a red card, a decision that Andersen indicated shifted the match’s momentum. “Of course it is difficult when we get the red card,” he explained. “And then we make such stupid mistakes. That should never happen. I do not know what to say. It is just disappointing and f*****g ridiculous.”
The defeat followed a damaging 2-2 draw with Belarus just days earlier, a result that undermined Denmark’s position at the top of the group. In the wake of that match, goalscorer Gustav Isaksen admitted responsibility for the team’s failure to perform. “We give them so many chances,” he remarked, highlighting the team’s inability to maintain defensive discipline as the pressure mounted.
Now, Denmark must regroup quickly as they prepare for a challenging path in the forthcoming play-offs, while Scotland rejoices in their first World Cup appearance since 1998. The emotional toll of Tuesday’s loss was palpable within the Danish ranks, with manager Brian Riemer tasked with boosting the team’s morale as the stakes heighten ahead of their uncertain bid for a place in North America.
In the world of football, crucial moments often define journeys; for Denmark, this episode serves as a stark reminder of the thin line between success and disappointment.
