World Cup Qualifying – Group C: Scotland v Denmark
Venue: Hampden Park, Glasgow
Date: Tuesday, 18 November
Kick-off: 19:45 GMT
As the dust settled on a dramatic Saturday in Piraeus, former Scotland forwards Billy Dodds and James McFadden reflected on what unfolded against Greece – and what awaits on Tuesday, when Scotland host Denmark in a decisive, winner-takes-all showdown at Hampden.
Scotland’s 3-2 defeat in Greece appeared to derail hopes of securing automatic qualification for the World Cup. Yet Belarus’ unexpected 2-2 draw in Copenhagen has kept the door wide open. A win over Denmark would still see Steve Clarke’s side finish top of Group C.
With fortune seemingly tracking Scotland throughout this campaign, the question now is whether those breaks will continue when it matters most.
Scotland’s contrasting performance – sluggish early, dynamic late – sparked debate.
Dodds questioned whether the team’s mindset contributed to their hesitant start:
“Maybe the cautious approach came from thinking a point might be enough,” he suggested. “When we play with energy and belief, that’s when we’re at our best.”
McFadden pointed to deeper tactical issues, blaming “poor pressing”, disjointed defensive structure, and hesitation born from previous meetings with Greece.
“The distances between the lines were too big,” he said. “The press was never going to work. But after half-time, everything changed – we were aggressive, got bodies forward, and suddenly the players were doing what makes us dangerous.”
He highlighted key tactical cues: Andy Robertson driving forward, John McGinn committing with the ball, and Scott McTominay arriving in the box – all largely absent in recent matches.
Clarke’s post-match message was blunt: the players must “believe in themselves”. McFadden agreed, wondering aloud whether fear of failure on the World Cup stage was creeping in.
Despite the team’s late resurgence, both former internationals believe Clarke could consider subtle adjustments.
Dodds expects the same shape but hinted at possible changes in defence and attack:
“The questions are probably the striker and a centre-half. McKenna for Hanley would give us more pace and let us push higher.”
McFadden also anticipates Scott McKenna may replace a “shaky” Grant Hanley, but expects Clarke to persist with Che Adams up front.
The bigger unknown is Billy Gilmour, who remained in Italy for treatment after missing Napoli’s latest fixtures. With just one training session available before the match, McFadden doubts he will start.
He also floated the possibility of a tactical shift:
“Clarke used a 4-4-2 with Dykes and Adams in Copenhagen. He could use a back three again, or even a 5-4-1. Nothing would surprise me.”
Denmark’s draw with Belarus provoked anger from head coach Brian Riemer, and the team were booed off in Copenhagen. Compounding matters, a stomach bug is circulating within their camp.
Dodds believes this creates an opportunity:
“Whether it’s dropping points or dealing with illness, there’s doubt there. That can only help us. We need to feed off that.”
Both Dodds and McFadden know from experience how Hampden transforms on nights of consequence.
McFadden recalled the “unbelievable” atmospheres against the Netherlands in 2003 and Italy in 2007:
“This will be the same. If you win, you go to the World Cup. When was the last time we had that at Hampden?”
Dodds remembers the deafening noise of the 1999 play-off against England:
“You couldn’t hear the English anthem. Those moments stay with you.”
His advice to the current squad is simple: Make sure you contribute. Leave no regrets.
McFadden notes that Scotland’s opponent this time is not one of football’s superpowers:
“Denmark are a good team, but they’re not among the world’s elite.”
He also acknowledges recent performances have been underwhelming – but results have kept Scotland in control.
“We’ve not played well, but we’ve still won. If that level continues, we won’t beat Denmark. But this isn’t Greece – we’re not talking about a draw anymore. This is all or nothing.”
Despite concerns, McFadden senses something intangible:
“It just feels like it’s our time. One big performance always comes in a campaign – and we haven’t had it yet.”
Dodds shares that belief:
“The prize is huge. That gives you drive, determination and belief. And right now, Lady Luck seems to be with us.”
