Scotland Holds Denmark 0-0 in World Cup Qualifier in Copenhagen

Scotland began their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a disciplined and defensively strong 0-0 draw against Denmark in Copenhagen, a result praised by manager Steve Clarke who highlighted the outstanding defensive performances of John Souttar and Grant Hanley. Clarke took bold tactical decisions, opting for a traditional 4-4-2 formation and leaving key flair players like Ben Gannon Doak and Billy Gilmour on the bench, a move that initially drew criticism but ultimately helped the team secure a valuable point against the group favorites. The referee's handling of a critical incident involving a potential red card was also commended by Clarke, who described the officiating as strong and justified in its decision. Despite Denmark's dominance in possession, Scotland created notable chances and maintained a clean sheet, setting a solid foundation for their next match against Belarus in Hungary. Clarke emphasized the importance of remaining grounded after this positive start and preparing for the challenging fixtures ahead, acknowledging that the campaign is far from over. The draw keeps Scotland's hopes alive for qualification and demonstrates Clarke's willingness to make unconventional choices under pressure to achieve results.