Joachim Andersen gives Scott McTominay a clear verdict as Scotland beat Denmark in dramatic fashion to qualify for next summer’s World Cup
Joachim Andersen looked far from happy in a live TV interview after watching in utter disbelief as he watched Denmark lose their World Cup place to Scotland thanks to Scott McTominay’s overhead kick. After Denmark came back twice, goals from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean in stoppage time sealed victory for Scotland.
McTominay calmed the nerves of the thousands at Hampden Park after just three minutes by reacting instinctively to Ben Gannon-Doak’s cross with an obscene overhead kick. Denmark then equalized through Rasmus Hjølund’s penalty after a foul on Andy Robertson, before Laurence Shankland took the lead again.
Fifteen minutes earlier, Rasmus Christensen had been sent off, but Denmark were able to level the score again when Patrik Dorg turned in the loose ball. However, Kieran Tierney’s long-range strike in stoppage time ultimately gave Steve Clarke’s side the win, with Kenny McLean’s lob to Kasper Schmeichel from inside his own half sealing their place in next summer’s tournament in style.
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A scene of jubilation ensued as Scotland’s fans and players confirmed their participation in the World Cup for the first time in nearly 30 years. Naturally, not everyone on the pitch was happy with the result, with 11 Danish players upset.
A surprise draw with Belarus on Saturday night left the door ajar for Scotland to earn automatic qualification despite defeat to Greece. The Scots were down three points away but fought back to lose 3-2.
After such a devastating blow, Andersen was interviewed almost immediately after the full-time whistle. “It’s incredibly sad,” Andersen told TV 2 Sport. “The results we’ve had in the last two games are laughable. It’s just disappointing. It’s disappointing. I think we played a good game. They scored an extraordinary goal. He will never score a goal like that again in his career.”
“Of course, it’s tough if you get a red card,” he added. “And then we fall behind and we come back again. And we make stupid mistakes like that. That should never happen. I don’t know what to say. It’s really unfortunate and ridiculous.”
In a completely different interview with Scotland star Robertson after the match, he paid a touching tribute to his late Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota. “I hid it well, but I didn’t feel well today. I know my age and this might be my last chance to go to the World Cup,” he admitted after the match.
“Today I couldn’t get my mate Diogo Jota out of my mind. We talked a lot about the World Cup together. He missed Qatar due to injury and Scotland missed out so I missed out as well. I’m sure he’ll be smiling at me somewhere tonight.”
“I couldn’t get him out of my head all day. I had a little trouble in the room earlier. I think I hid it well from the boys and I’m really glad it turned out the way it did.”
Although they were on opposing sides, McTominay and Hoylund both returned to Napoli with the message that there would be no bad blood from the latter. In response to his Instagram post congratulating Scotland on their success, he said: “Congratulations, well done (hands together emoji).”
Denmark still has a chance to qualify, but must survive play-offs against the Republic of Ireland and Wales, two of the countries scheduled to take part in the draw.
