Scotland Vs Denmark [4–2] – 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: How Scotland Made History – Tactical Analysis

Scotland faced Denmark at Hampden Park in Glasgow and wrote history, qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 28 years following a dramatic 4-2 win.

It was a match full of emotion as both teams battled until the end, each scoring to extend their lead, but Scotland were more eager to win, even though Denmark had the ball more often.

Rasmus Kristensens red card certainly influenced Denmark’s performance, but more importantly, Scotland were more intelligent and decisive in scoring the few chances they created.

They exploited Denmark’s defensive weaknesses and moments of doubt exceptionally, scoring their four goals, including two that came after Denmark’s second equaliser in the 82^nd minute.

For Denmark, the team will have to play the tiring, complicated play-off phase to try to secure a World Cup qualification ticket, which is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain.

Denmark were punished especially for missing numerous chances and failing to finish the game when they had the opportunity.

In this tactical analysis article, we will focus on Scotland’s performance and how they succeeded in countering Denmark’s attacks with realistic attacking solutions, such as Scott McTominay’s finishing and second-ball play.

The analysis will also shed light on Scotland’s defensive errors and how they can improve their defensive performances in the upcoming games.

Watch Scotland Vs Denmark Tactical Analysis On YouTube

Scotland Vs Denmark Formations & Lineups

Scotland Lineup And Formation

For Scotland, Steve Clarke started the match in a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Craig Gordon in goal, Aaron Hickey at right-back, Grant Hanley and Scott McKenna at centre-back, and Andrew Robertson at left-back.

In midfield, Lewis Ferguson was the defensive midfielder, with Ryan Christie and McTominay as central midfielders, before Clarke made tactical changes, moving both McTominay and John McGinn to the wings in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

But initially, McGinn and Ben Doak were the wingers, with Lyndon Dykes as the main striker.

Denmark Lineup And Formation

For Denmark, Brian Riemer relied on a 4-2-3-1 formation with Kasper Schmeichel as goalkeeper, Rasmus Kristensen as right-back, Joachim Andersen and Andreas Christensen as centre-backs, and Patrick Dorgu as left-back.

The midfield was composed of Morten Hjulmand and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg as central midfielders, Gustav Isaksen and Mikkel Damsgaard on the wings, and Victor Froholdt as an advanced playmaker behind the main striker, Rasmus Højlund.

Scotland Attacking Solutions

Scotland started the match well, relying on their athletic and physically aggressive attacking players to press high on Denmark’s defenders and exploit their slow build-up.

They have quickly succeeded in doing so by intercepting the ball in their own third on multiple occasions, with the first one being well-exploited by McTominay, who finished the action inside the net.

Sc