Scotland are up and running in their bid to secure qualification for a first World Cup appearance since 1998 after picking up a deserved point against Denmark in their Group C curtain-raiser.
The Danes were quick out of the blocks as they chased an early opener, but Steve Clarke’s side held firm and had numerous promising moments of their own on the counter.
Ryan Christie and John McGinn each spurned decent opportunities in the first half, while Scott McTominay[1] was thwarted by Celtic[2] goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel[3] after the break.
Lyndon Dykes then failed to take advantage of a golden chance to break the deadlock, before Denmark came close with a couple of long-range efforts.
It was to be an excellent point for Steve Clarke’s side, who face Belurus on Monday night seeking a victory to put themselves in prime position going in to the next international break.
Here, Kevin McKenna gives his verdict on the performances of the players on the park in Copenhagen.
Steve Clarke was thrilled to see his men get their World Cup bid off to an excellent start
Scotland’s players were eager to show their appreciation to the travelling fans at full-time
Grant Hanley kept Danish front man Kasper Dolberg quiet for much of the contest
DENMARK (4-4-1-1)
Kasper Schmeichel 6
Reduced to the role of specator in quiet first half. Got down sharply to get a foot on a low McTominay effort.
Rasmus Kristensen 6
Bombed up the right flank all night. Found himself in dangerous positions but delivery not up to par.
Joachim Andersen 6.5
Comfortable coming out from the back with the ball at his feet to kickstart attacks. Handled Dykes well.
Andreas Christensen 6
A commanding presence at the heart of the Denmark defence. Relished the phyical battle with visitors’ front two.
Joakim Maehle 5.5
Thwarted McGinn with a terrific sliding tackle as Scots searched for an opener. Didn’t offer much in the final third.
Anders Dreyer 5.5
In-form wide man flashed an effort just inches wide of target on the hour. Showed the odd glimpse but rarely threatened.
Ex-Motherwell striker Mika Biereth couldn’t find a way to break through the Scots’ rearguard
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg 7
Saw powerful drive deflected wide and headed straight at Gunn in stoppage-time. Booked for rash tackle on McGinn.
Morten Hjulmand 6.5
Connected the play and kept things ticking over. Became more prominent in an attacking sense in final quarter.
Mikkel Damsgaard 6
Given plenty of room to operate, but couldn’t create any chances of note for his team-mates. Underwhelming.
Kasper Dolberg 6
Continually dropped deep to pick up the ball between the lines in first half. Sharp in and around the area.
Mika Biereth 5
Former Motherwell front man linked up well with Dolberg, but found space hard to come by and chances at a premium.
SUBSTITUTES:
Gronbaek (Dolberg 61), Hojlund (Biereth 74), Froholdt (Dreyer 74).
Brian Reimer 5
Demanded a fast start from his players and got his wish. Attacking subs didn’t really have the desired effect.
Scotland’s Lyndon Dykes put in a typically industrious performance at the top end of the park
SCOTLAND (4-4-2)
Angus Gunn 6
Settled any early nerves with a couple of commanding punches inside the area. Not given much to do otherwise.
Aaron Hickey 6.5
Guilty of giving Damsgaard far too much room early on, but stuck to his task well. Picked up a needless booking.
Grant Hanley 7
Selection always scrutinised by the Tartan Army, but his inclusion was justified here. Great block to deny Hojbjerg.
John Souttar 6.5
Didn’t put a foot wrong. Won his fair share of aerial duels and kept things simple when asked to clear his lines.
Andy Robertson 6.5
Sloppy in possession during tricky opening period. Got the better of the dangerous Dreyer for the most part.
John McGinn 7
Popped up everywhere on the pitch and tried to make things happen. Should have put Christie through on goal.
Scott McTominay came close to breaking the deadlock with a low drive early in the second half
Lewis Ferguson 5.5
Game largely passed him by. Struggled to get on the ball and was forced to do more defending than he’d have liked.
Scott McTominay 7
Scotland’s talisman grew in to the contest. Mazy runs first led to McGinn opportunity before forcing a Schmeichel save.
Ryan Christie 6
Fortunate to escape a red after high challenge on Hojbjerg. Had a free header at back post in first half but missed target.
Lyndon Dykes 6
Waited too long to pull the trigger after being played in by Adams as huge opportunity went begging.
Che Adams 6
Frequently coughed up possession cheaply with back to goal. Much better with ball at his feet on driving forward.
Substitutes:
Johnston (Hickey 70), Hirst (Adams 83), Gannon Doak (Dykes 83), McLean (Christie 83)
Steve Clark 7
Decision not to start Gannon Doak raised a few eyebrows. Stuck with tried and tested formula to get excellent point.
Referee: Daniel Siebert
Attendance: N/A
References
- ^ Scott McTominay (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Celtic (www.dailymail.co.uk)
- ^ Kasper Schmeichel (www.dailymail.co.uk)