Scotland v Denmark: Back McTominay to score as Tartan Army seal World Cup spot | OneFootball

World Cup 2026

Scotland know a win against Denmark will send them to the World Cup

Scotland know they are one win away from securing a first World Cup finals appearance since 1998. Kevin Hatchard believes they can enjoy a memorable night against Denmark.

Scotland v Denmark Tuesday 18 November, 19:45Live on BBC Scotland

Scotland gifted golden opportunity

When Scotland were 3-0 down in Greece, their defence in tatters, it seemed as if Steve Clarke's side would be heading into the playoffs with their confidence having been dealt an almighty blow. Denmark were 1-0 up at home to Belarus, and appeared to be speeding towards a place at next year's World Cup finals.

However, the beauty of sport in general and football in particular is that you can never be 100% sure of how things will go, and human frailties show themselves to ruin the best-laid plans. Denmark wobbled in Copenhagen, and Scotland produced a stirring fightback in Athens. Even though Clarke's men still lost 3-2, they showed enough attacking quality to suggest they can beat a Denmark side that ended up scrambling to salvage a 2-2 draw.

Clarke knows a win will get Scotland to their first World Cup since 1998, and he also knows the power of the Tartan Army. He has implored the Hampden Park crowd to be patient with his team, well aware that Tuesday's night's clash could be something of a rollercoaster. Clarke has delivered back-to-back qualifications for the finals of the European Championship, but taking Scotland to a World Cup would surely be his greatest achievement yet.

With Angus Gunn sidelined, 42-year-old Craig Gordon stepped into the breach in Athens, and made a string of saves. He's likely to retain his place here. Despite a wasteful display against Greece, Che Adams will once again hope to start in attack. Clarke may be tempted to shuffle his pack in defence after a shaky display on Saturday.

Danes in the doldrums

The chorus of boos that greeted the final whistle against Belarus at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen told the story. Denmark had blown it. Brian Riemer's side had been a win away from the World Cup, and after an hour they were 1-0 up and cruising against a team that had no points and had comfortably been the worst in the section.

However, Denmark collapsed during a four-minute spell in which they conceded twice and nearly conceded another. Gustav Isaksen's fine 79th-minute strike made it 2-2 and sparked hope of a famous turnaround, but the third Danish goal never arrived.

To make matters worse, illness has spread throughout the camp. Fulham defender Joachim Andersen and Napoli striker Rasmus Hojlund were both sidelined for the Belarus game, and it's not certain they'll return for this. Riemer says the medical staff are working hard to contain the outbreak, but admits it's a big concern.

Denmark are unbeaten in the group, with three wins and two draws, and they were held to a 0-0 draw by Scotland at the start of the group. The psychology of Tuesday's encounter at Hampden Park is so different, as the Danes suddenly have everything to lose against a Scotland team that has been handed a golden ticket.

There is at least plenty of experience in the Danish side. The 39-year-old Celtic keeper Kasper Schmeichel is in line to win his 120th cap, defender Andreas Christensen has played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe, while ex-Spurs star Christian Eriksen has 147 caps.

Scotland and Clarke can have their magic moment

Steve Clarke is often accused by his detractors of being too negative, of playing with the handbrake on. However, Scotland created lots of opportunities against Greece, and they must start in the same vein against a demoralised Denmark and engage the crowd. The crowd did their bit in the 3-1 comeback win over Greece in October, and they'll be needed again.

Denmark are a tough team to knock over in general, but their wobble against Belarus was alarming, and suggests the pressure is getting to them. Riemer is yet to show he can be an effective replacement for long-serving coach Kasper Hjulmand, and in the Nations League quarter-finals his team lost a big game 5-2 in Portugal to exit the competition. Scotland aren't on Portugal's level, but this is still a big test away from home.

I'll back Scotland with some insurance here by using the Draw No Bet market. That allows us to back Scotland at 2.64, but have our stake returned if the game ends level.

Title winner can hit the net

I can't ignore the odds on Scott McTominay to score at 3/1. The Napoli midfielder has become one of Serie A's most effective players since moving to Italy, helping his club win the Scudetto last season, and he has four club goals this term. The ex-Manchester United player has netted in five of his last 15 competitive internationals, and he's become a big-game player.

It's worth noting that McTominay is getting off plenty of shots in games. He's had at least two in four of Scotland's five qualifiers, and in his last 15 competitive games for his country he's racked up 40 shots, 18 of which have been on target.

Now read Alan Shearer on why

Recommended bets

Back Scotland Draw No Bet @ 2.64

Back Scott McTominay to score @ 3/1