By Martin Graham
Scotland captain Andy Robertson admitted he struggled to keep his emotions in check during a historic evening at Hampden Park. The defender said the memory of his late former teammate Diogo Jota stayed with him throughout the match, adding that qualifying felt like a shared moment with someone he dearly missed.
Robertson, aware this might be his final opportunity to reach a World Cup, described the achievement as one of the defining moments of his career. He highlighted the unity of the squad and coaching staff, saying the manager’s pre-match words stirred the entire group.
He recalled the reminder of past milestones — including previous celebrations in Glasgow — and insisted this latest triumph stood alongside the best nights of his life. The captain also joked with presenter Kelly Cates, saying he now looked forward to returning to Liverpool to share a glass of wine with her father.
McGinn’s honesty and the improbable turnaround
Midfielder John McGinn did not sugarcoat the performance, admitting the team fell short of their usual standards. Yet he stressed that the quality of play mattered little once the final whistle blew, because the outcome overshadowed everything else.
McGinn said the squad believed they were about to suffer another heartbreaking setback as stoppage time approached. His mind had already turned to the possibility of a playoff path, convinced the opportunity was slipping away.
The dramatic late goals from Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean transformed despair into euphoria. McGinn said the surge of feeling inside the stadium after Tierney’s strike was something he doubted he would ever experience again.
Gordon’s long road and lasting reward
Veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon, whose Scotland debut came more than two decades ago, called the evening unforgettable. The keeper said the quality of the goals — including one scored from a distance in the final seconds — was unlike anything he expected to witness again.
Gordon reflected on the length of his international career, acknowledging that this achievement capped years of commitment and setbacks. He said the moment felt especially emotional after nearly stepping away from the game during the summer.
He credited Steve Clarke for persuading him to continue for one more season and said the night justified every difficult moment. For Gordon, reaching a World Cup after so many years made the entire journey worthwhile.
Tierney and McLean on their extraordinary finishes
Kieran Tierney entered the field in the closing stages and unleashed a superb strike that breathed new life into Scotland’s hopes. The defender described the feeling as overwhelming, admitting he could barely recall how he celebrated the moment.
Moments later, Kenny McLean produced an extraordinary effort from inside his own half to seal the win. The substitute said the atmosphere carried the team forward and that scoring such a goal surpassed anything he had previously experienced.
McLean said he hesitated twice before deciding to shoot, noticing the goalkeeper had not retreated quickly enough. He added that Tierney later teased him by calling it only the third-best goal of the night, despite it being one he would never forget.
Ferguson’s family moment and national pride
Lewis Ferguson revealed that the day was already meaningful before he even stepped onto the pitch, as it coincided with his daughter’s third birthday. Although disappointed he could not spend the day with her, he said seeing her after the match made the occasion complete.
Ferguson expressed his pride in being part of a group that achieved something he had never witnessed growing up — Scotland reaching a World Cup. He said the significance of the night would likely feel even greater the following day.
The midfielder joked that the celebrations would probably lead to a few sore heads but insisted the achievement justified every sacrifice made during the campaign.
