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| AFP Yonhap News |
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Liverpool Star' and Scotland's national football team captain Andy Robertson recalled the dream of the World Cup with the late Diogo Jota shortly after his country Scotland was confirmed to go to the World Cup finals. .
Scotland beat their nemesis Denmark 4-2 at home at Hampden Park on the 19th (Korea time) to confirm their first men's World Cup qualification since 1998.
Just three minutes into the game, Scott McTominay scored the first goal with a brilliant overhead kick. The desperate goal at the end of the World Cup was considered one of the best goals in Scottish football history.
Denmark scored a penalty equalizer in the 12th minute of the second half, but Rasmus Christensen was sent off as a second warning and faced a numerical inferiority crisis. Four minutes after Lawrence Shankland shook the net in the 33rd minute of the second half, when Denmark's Patrick Dorgou scored another equaliser and Scotland's World Cup hopes were shaken, the Scottish warriors did not give up until the end. A series of goals in extra time were scored. In extra time in the second half, Arsenal's former 'Celtic Star Defender' Kieran Tierney led 3-2 with a powerful shot well over the height of goalkeeper Schmeichel, and three minutes later, Kenny McLean scored a decisive goal with a bold shot and scored a World Cup self-congratulatory shot to seal the match 4-2. With the whistle at the end of the match, Scotland enthusiastically cheered the miracle of advancing to the World Cup finals for the first time in 28 years. Scotland dramatically secured a ticket to the World Cup finals with four wins, one draw and one loss (13 points) to second place with three wins, two draws and one loss (11 points).
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Robertson, the Scotland captain, recalled his Liverpool teammate, Diogo Jota, in a moment of joy. He couldn't hide his feelings by recalling the World Cup, conversations about participating in the World Cup, and memories of sharing dreams with each other during Jota's lifetime. Jota died at the age of 28 in a car accident in July this year shortly after leading the Portuguese national team to the European Nations League title.
Robertson told the BBC: "I tried to hide my feelings today, but it collapsed. I knew this was my last chance to go to the World Cup." Also "My friend Diogo didn't get out of his head all day. We talked a lot about the World Cup. He couldn't go to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to injury and I missed that opportunity because our country couldn't advance. He must be watching me with a smile somewhere."
"I had a hard time thinking about it all day, but I hid my feelings from my colleagues. I'm really happy that we're going to the World Cup." Robertson also attended the funeral of Jota and his brother Andre Silva in person.
"This team never gives up," Robertson, 31, said of the victory over Denmark. I did my best to the end. It was a really tough game, but it's worth it. We're going to the World Cup." "These players and team staff are the best teams. What the coach said before the game was really touching. Talking about important moments, everyone was emotional. The best moment for the director, the staff, and the family."
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| EPA Yonhap News |
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Coach Steve Clarke also expressed his excitement about going to the World Cup finals with the words `Incredible Night.' "What fantastic players. I've always trusted these players. I woke up for the first time this morning without any tension. It's because I trust the players." It's been a long journey. I've been waiting for this opportunity. The last step is always the hardest. It wasn't easy and I fought in the Scottish way."
Meanwhile, the 2026 North American World Cup draw will be held on December 5 while the countries that advance to the finals by continent are determined one after another.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
