Scotland beat Denmark 4-2 to secure World Cup finals spot
Scotland have secured a vital place in the football World Cup European Qualifiers following a dramatic 4-2 victory over Denmark. Steve Clarke's side needed a win in their final Group C match to reach the World Cup finals.
The contest began brightly for the Scots, with Scott McTominay scoring a spectacular opener in the third minute. Hampden Park celebrated the stunning "scissors kick" strike. However, Denmark equalised in the 57th minute when Rasmus Højlund scored from the penalty spot.
The dynamics shifted five minutes later when the visitors were reduced to ten men after Rasmus Kristensen was sent off. Scotland quickly capitalised on the numerical advantage, with Lawrence Shankland restoring their lead.
Despite being a man down, Denmark showed resilience and drew level again through Patrick Dorgu. The score remained tied until injury time, when Scotland scored two late goals—from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean—to secure the 4-2 victory that sealed their World Cup qualification. Denmark finished second in Group C and will proceed to the World Cup playoffs.
Other Key Results in the European Qualifiers
Belgium also secured direct qualification, finishing first in Group J. In their final match, played in Liege, the "Red Devils" won convincingly against Liechtenstein, 7-0. Jérémy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere delivered strong performances, scoring two goals each.
Wales secured 2nd place and will also head to the World Cup playoffs. This followed their dominant 7-1 win against North Macedonia in Cardiff. Captain Harry Wilson registered a hat-trick. North Macedonia finished 3rd, but secured a play-off place due to their Nations League ranking.
The final teams to secure direct qualification for the World Cup finals are Spain and Switzerland, from Groups E and B respectively. Turkey, Kosovo, and Sweden also reached the playoffs.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
