The roundabout route to a shot at World Cup glory
FOR Scotland, the Road to Qatar 2022 started back in March with successive stumbles against Austria and Israel. Back then, very few would have dared to dream that an eventful Group F campaign would end on such a dazzling high as that experienced by all present for the Hampden win over Denmark on Monday. Here, Sportsmail’s BRIAN MARJORIBANKS recounts the rollercoaster journey Steve Clarke’s side went on over the course of the ten unforgettable World Cup qualifiers as they ensured they are seeded in the play-offs in March.
SCOTLAND 2 AUSTRIA 2; March 21:
It took a spectacular overhead kick from John McGinn to salvage a point for scotland at Hampden.
Clarke’s side twice came from behind on the night, with Grant Hanley’s first goal for his country in eight years cancelling out an opener by sasha Kalajdzic.
Kalajdzic then headed in a second before McGinn’s late acrobatics ensured a draw.
‘We competed very well with a good Austria team. this team can keep improving,’ said Clarke.
ISRAEL 1 SCOTLAND 1; March 28:
scotland were still searching for their first win in World Cup qualifying after a 1-1 draw in tel Aviv.
A ferocious long-range shot by Dor Peretz saw Israel take the lead after the hosts had wasted several good chances.
But Ryan Fraser scored after the break to earn a point that left scotland third.
‘I don’t know if it’s two good points or we’ve dropped four that are going to be very costly. It’s very difficult to tell,’ said Clarke.
SCOTLAND 4 FAROE ISLANDS 0; March 31:
Che Adams scored his first goal for scotland as Clarke’s side finally picked up their first victory of the campaign.
McGinn’s double and a goal from Fraser brought an end to a five-game winless run for the national team.
With Denmark beating Austria 4-0, the scots moved up to second in the table after three games.
‘We think we can be a good team,’ said Clarke.
DENMARK 2 SCOTLAND 0; September 1:
After a disappointing Euro 2020, Clarke found himself under pressure as his side were outclassed in Copenhagen.
With his options limited by Covid, captain Andy Robertson was played out of position against the Euro 2020 semi-finalists.
Daniel Wass headed an opener on 14 minutes and when Joakim
Maehle added a second 60 seconds later, scotland fans feared a rout.
‘the best team won. they blew us away a bit at the start,’ sighed Clarke.
SCOTLAND 1 MOLDOVA 0; September 4:
scotland kept their World Cup hopes alive by beating Moldova in a must-win clash at Hampden with Billy Gilmour the man of the match.
It was a nervy affair against Group F’s bottom side and it was settled when Lyndon Dykes tapped in after a Nathan Patterson shot was parried by the visiting keeper.
scotland were now up to third, with Israel in second following their eye-catching 5-2 home win over Austria.
‘It was a good night for us,’ smiled Clarke.
AUSTRIA 0 SCOTLAND 1; September 7:
scotland breathed fresh life into their qualification hopes with a huge result in Vienna.
Dykes’ penalty, after a VAR check, gave Clarke’s side a precious lead to hold on to — which they did despite intense Austrian pressure.
With runaway leaders Denmark thrashing Israel 5-0 in Copenhagen, scotland moved up to second in the group.
‘some people want to label us “long ball” but we got it down and passed it,’ said a spiky Clarke.
‘We deserve a little bit more respect.’
SCOTLAND 3 ISRAEL 2; October 9:
scotland edged past Israel in a five-goal thriller at a packed Hampden.
Eran Zahavi and Moanes Dabbur twice had the visitors in front. But the scots struck back through McGinn and Dykes — who had previously had a weak penalty saved.
scotland’s pressure finally paid off in stoppage time when scott Mctominay diverted a McGinn cross into the net from close range.
‘When we needed to score three goals, we scored three goals. For the confidence of the group, that’s a big thing,’ said Clarke.
FAROE ISLANDS 0 SCOTLAND 1; October 12:
three days after the high of beating Israel, scotland toiled against the plucky Faroes.
But they got the job done when Dykes scored four minutes from time, the striker’s goal surviving a VAR check as officials looked to see if he had used a hand.
the scots now knew a similar result in Moldova would secure a play-off.
‘We are in a good position but we are not taking our eye off the ball,’ said Clarke.
MOLDOVA 0 SCOTLAND 2; November 12:
scotland clinched a play-off place with a game to spare, courtesy of a deserved win in Chisinau.
Patterson’s first goal for his country put the visitors ahead before Adams made sure of victory — but scotland had goalkeeper Craig Gordon to thank for a penalty save from Vadim Rata and a first-half wonder stop from Artur Ionita.
‘the penalty could have made it nervy but when you need Craig Gordon, he is always there,’ said Clarke.
SCOTLAND 2 DENMARK 0; November 15:
scotland’s finest performance in years saw them blow away a Denmark side aiming to top Group F with a perfect ten wins out of ten.
John souttar headed the opener and Adams netted a fine second in the closing stages as Clarke’s men made it six wins in a row.
the result means scotland are seeded for the play-offs and will be at home for the semi-final in March.