Scotland’s World Cup Qualification Marks a Bittersweet Moment for Andrew Robertson

Scotland’s captain, Andrew Robertson, expressed that he was emotionally overwhelmed during the pre-match buildup to his team’s triumphant World Cup qualifier against Denmark, which ended with a score of 4-2. His thoughts were heavily influenced by the memory of his former Liverpool teammate, Diogo Jota, with whom he shared aspirations of participating in the tournament.

The victory in Glasgow ensured Scotland’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, marking the country’s first appearance in the tournament since 1998. Goals from Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland, Kieran Tierney, and Kenny McLean contributed to this historic achievement.

However, the joy of qualification was mingled with sorrow for Robertson, 31, as he mourned the recent passing of his close friend Jota, who tragically lost his life in a car accident alongside his brother André Silva in July. In an interview with BBC Scotland, Robertson candidly admitted, “I think I’ve hidden it well, but I’ve been in bits.”

He continued, reflecting on the significance of this opportunity, stating, “I knew with the age that I am at, this will be my last chance of a World Cup, and I couldn’t get my mate Diogo Jota out of my head today. We discussed extensively what it would be like to attend this World Cup together. He missed out in Qatar [2022] due to injury, while I had never qualified. I know he will be smiling down on me tonight.”

Robertson shared that he struggled emotionally leading up to the match, revealing, “I just couldn’t get him out of my head the whole day, so I was in a bit of trouble in my room earlier. I think I hid it well from the boys, but I am just so glad that it has ended up this way.”

Since joining Liverpool from Hull City in 2017, Robertson has celebrated significant successes at Anfield, including two Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, and victories in the FA Cup and EFL Cup. Nonetheless, he described the win against Denmark as one of the “greatest nights of my life.”

He remarked, “Honestly, this group of boys and staff is the best group I have ever been involved with. The manager’s [Steve Clarke] speech before the game was unbelievable. He reminded us of the memories we’ve created and encouraged us to make another one. We were quite emotional at that moment, and to achieve this for everyone will be remembered as one of the greatest nights of my life.”

Robertson highlighted the team’s resilience, saying, “We just keep going right to the end. It was one of the craziest games of football, and we certainly put the country through it. However, I am sure it was all worth it because we are going to the World Cup, and I can hardly believe it.”