Scotland drew 0-0 with Denmark in Copenhagen in their first match of World Cup qualifying Group C, as Steve Clarke’s side earned a potentially vital point on the road.
The visitors started slowly at Parken as Denmark dominated the early exchanges, though Scotland grew into the game and fashioned a couple of half-chances as the game wore on.
Both sides went in level at the break and it was once again the Danes who started the quicker of the two sides, with captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg going close.
But despite sustained pressure, Denmark couldn’t fashion many clear-cut chances, with Lyndon Dykes squandering the best chance of the game before Hojbjerg again went close late on.
And Scotland successfully dug in deep as the game went on, perhaps guilty of not taking the game to the Danes but equally happy to take a point home from the top-ranked team in the group ahead of Monday night’s match against Belarus.
Follow all the build-up, team news and minute-by-minute action from Copenhagen below:
Denmark vs Scotland LIVE
- Scotland kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign with a draw against Denmark
- Steve Clarke's side face Belarus next on Monday
- 39' CLOSE! Christie heads wide from close-range [DEN 0-0 SCO]
- 52' CLOSE! Højbjerg goes close after clever Denmark move [DEN 0-0 SCO]
- 59' CLOSE! Dykes goes on-on-one but can't convert from Adams through ball [DEN 0-0 SCO]
- 73' VAR REVIEW! Referee awards Johnston yellow card for handball after review
Why are Scotland playing Belarus in Hungary?
00:00 , Chris WilsonScotland’s next game comes against Belarus, though the away game will be held in Hungary after Uefa announced (in March 2022) that all Belarusian clubs and national teams participating in their competitions would have to play their home matches at neutral venues and behind closed doors.
After the sanction was imposed, the Belarusian FA were left to find a suitable stadium to host matches, and they chose Zalaegerszeg, around 227km from the Hungarian capital Budapest.
The ZTE Arena will also be used to host the World Cup qualifier between Belarus and Denmark in October.
Contrasting emotions
23:50 , Chris WilsonContrasting emotions on show from the players and managers...
Match stats
23:40 , Chris WilsonScotland have lost just one of their last six competitive games (W3 D2) after losing four in a row.
This was Steve Clarke’s 69th game in charge of Scotland, with only Craig Brown overseeing more (71).
John McGinn made his 78th appearance for Scotland, taking him above Alex McLeish (77) and into sixth for the most appearances for the nation.
Scotland have registered three consecutive away clean sheets for the first time since September-November 2021.
Dykes: 'On another night I score that'
23:20 , Chris WilsonScotland striker Lyndon Dykes told BBC Scotland that "it was a difficult night” for his side.
“We showed character. It was a lot of defending, but we had chances as well,” he said.
"A win on Monday would put us in a good place. It's not going to be easy and we need to make sure we turn up like we did tonight.
"I should have maybe hit it first time on my right foot - a little bit disappointed with that. On another night I score that,” he added.
Scotland's World Cup qualifying fixtures in full
23:00 , Chris WilsonHere’s a list of all six of Scotland’s qualifiers then:
5 Sep - Denmark 0-0 Scotland
8 Sep - Belarus vs Scotland, 7:45pm
9 Oct - Scotland vs Greece, 7:45pm
12 Oct - Scotland vs Belarus, 7.45pm
15 Nov - Greece vs Scotland, 7:45pm
18 Nov - Scotland vs Denmark, 7:45pm
Schmeichel: 'It was probably a fair result'
22:50 , Chris WilsonDenmark ‘keeper Kasper Schmeichel also spoke to the BBC, and he called it a “fair result” today.
"Always disappointed not to win. Scotland played well, they defended well. It was probably a fair result in the end,” he said.
"Scotland are a good team. We were in no doubt this would be a tough game. Final third we didn't create enough.
"Scotland were looking for breakaways and set-pieces. We were comfortable at the back, so on reflection it was probably a fair result,” he added as he finished.
Clarke: 'We have to keep our feet on the ground'
22:38 , Chris WilsonScotland head coach Steve Clarke called tonight "a good start” for his side.
“A very disciplined performance, which we needed it to be. We created enough going forwards as well which was good to see,” he said.
"Defended well. Souttar and Hanley at the back outstanding, but you could go through the whole team. It's only one point. We have to keep our feet on the ground.
"Aaron [Hickey has] had a really tough time with injuries and he showed the qualities he's got. Being able to pick him again is an absolute pleasure.
"I always had in my mind that I'd need to make changes across the two games. I know what I've got in that squad. We can just go game to game and pick up as many points as we can,” he added as he finished.
Scotland hold Denmark to goalless draw in opening World Cup qualifier
22:28 , Chris WilsonScotland began their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a creditable goalless draw against Denmark but may feel they could have taken all three points in Copenhagen.
The hosts had long spells on top, but Steve Clarke’s side sporadically offered a real attacking threat before and after the break.
John McGinn, Ryan Christie and Lyndon Dykes all missed chances and there was some terrific siege defending at times as a high-quality Danish side were nullified, albeit the visitors lived dangerously in the latter stages.
Scotland hold Denmark to goalless draw in opening World Cup qualifier
McGinn: 'Tonight looked like a Steve Clarke team'
22:18 , Chris WilsonScotland midfielder John McGinn was first to speak to BBC.
“The first 15 we suffered a lot. The effort from everyone was superb and we managed to keep a clean sheet which is brilliant,” he said.
"It's very easy to criticise Grant Hanley - he heads everything, clears everything. The back four were outstanding.
"It was about staying in the game. We're managing games better the past couple of years. Tonight looked like a Steve Clarke team.
"We weren't bad during Covid times so it should be fine behind closed doors on Monday,” he added, referring to the Belarus match.
How the table looks
22:08 , Chris WilsonUnsurprisingly, Greece race into first position in this group after hammering Belarus. Scotland sit in third, with the Danes in second.
1 – Greece – 3pts, GD +4
2 – Denmark – 0pts, GD 0
3 – Scotland – 0pts, GD 0
4 – Belarus – 0pts, GD -4
Next up
21:58 , Chris WilsonScotland’s next match comes against Belarus at the ZTE Arena in Zalaegerszeg, Hungary on Monday. That one kicks off at 7.45pm BST.
Denmark face Greece next, with that one taking place at the Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus on the same day at the same time.
FULL-TIME! Denmark 0-0 Scotland
21:52 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Denmark 0-0 Scotland
21:47 , Chris WilsonSeveral Scotland players look pretty happy with that result, as does Steve Clarke.
The visitors performed well tonight against a supposedly superior team, and could have won it on a different day.
They’ll have a great chance of qualifying if they can produce performances like that throughout all of the campaign.
FULL-TIME! Denmark 0-0 Scotland
21:41 , Chris WilsonThat was the last meaningful chance of the game and Scotland get their World Cup qualifying campaign underway with a well-earned draw!
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
21:37 , Chris Wilson90 +4 mins
CLOSE! What a chance!
It’s Hojbjerg again, as he rises highest at the near post to power a header goalwards, but it’s straight at Gunn!
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
21:36 , Chris Wilson90 +2 mins
A few corners in quick succession for Denmark, with an unconvincing punch from Gunn on the latest. Denmark win another right after...
It’s a poor routine, rifled well over from outside the box.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
21:33 , Chris Wilson90 mins
We’ll have five minutes added on here.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
21:33 , Chris Wilson89 mins
A let-off for the visitors as Kristensen’s pass bounces right off a team-mate and out for a throw.
The Scotland fans are in fine voice as they welcome this potentially vital point.
Their team have defended resolutely at times today.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
21:32 , Chris Wilson87 mins
Is there time for another chance for the visitors? It’s a good result as it stands, but it could be a great one.
Defending to do at the moment though! The flag is up but it’s a great double save from Gunn.
The cross comes in and Hojlund volleys close to the ‘keeper, whose save bounces straight out to Grønbæk, but the Genoa man can’t convert either.
Hojlund had strayed offside anyway.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
21:29 , Chris Wilson85 mins
Oh, so close to a chance! Hirst picks up the ball near halfway but he has his head down and he doesn’t spot Gannon-Doak on the opposite side of the pitch. The youngster would’ve been clean through!
Hirst wins a free-kick and Gannon-Doak does well to bring it down and win a corner.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
21:27 , Chris Wilson83 mins
Subs for Scotland as Christie, Adams and Dykes make way for Kenny McLean, George Hirst and Ben Gannon-Doak.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
21:25 , Chris Wilson81 mins
Another good ball in but Hanley does well to head behind once again.
Denmark are applying plenty of sustained pressure but it hasn’t really been converted into clear-cut chances....yet.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
21:23 , Chris Wilson79 mins
Scotland just trying to ride out this late wave of pressure at the moment, as an effort from just outside the area is defeated behind before Gunn collects the corner.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
21:21 , Chris Wilson77 mins
Adams goes into the book for holding onto Froholdt.
There’s a half chance for the hosts as Damsgaard’s cross is headed back across by Hojlund, but nobody can get on the end of it.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
21:19 , Chris Wilson76 mins
CLOSE! Good defending in the end from Johnston, but this was close.
The cross is flashed across goal and the Scotland sub gets the only touch on it, diverting it away from a Denmark forward int the box.
Nothing comes of the corner but Denmark come again.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
21:18 , Chris Wilson75 mins
Two subs for the hosts as Dreyer and Biereth make way for Victor Froholdt and Rasmus Hojlund.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
21:17 , Chris Wilson74 mins
NO RED! The referee views it on the screen but keeps the yellow card. Finally a good, sensible use of VAR?
Johnston was pushed and the ball wasn’t exactly flying straight through on goal, so the original decision stands.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
21:16 , Chris Wilson73 mins
The problem for Johnston is that he was the only man preventing Biereth from being 1-v-1 with the ‘keeper, so has he prevented a goalscoring opportunity.
The referee is going to the monitor, as Clarke points to the t-shirt line and suggests his player was pushed...
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
21:14 , Chris Wilson71 mins
More good hold-up play from Adams ends with the visitors winning a free-kick midway into the half. It’s not a bad delivery from Robertson but Adams can’t quite get there.
Denmark launch a long ball forward and Johnston is penalised for handball. He was the last man but he was pushed, and he gets a yellow card.
VAR are checking it...
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
21:12 , Chris Wilson69 mins
Some great work from McGinn to win a ball he started off miles away from, but McTominay can’t capitalise.
Hickey makes way for Max Johnston.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
21:09 , Chris Wilson67 mins
McGinn does well to win a corner after stopping the ball going out of play. He puts in a decent delivery that Ferguson collects before laying it back to Robertson.
The Liverpool full-back puts in a great cross towards the back post but Adams hasn’t gambled on it and nobody is there to convert!
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
21:08 , Chris Wilson64 mins
CLOSE! Another chance for Denmark.
Gunn has just punched away a couple of corners but Denmark pick it up again and Damsgaard lays it off to Dreyer, who rifles an effort against the side netting.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
21:06 , Chris Wilson63 mins
Superb defending from Hickey here. Maehle makes the run in-behind at the back post and he’s picked out well, but Hickey slides across to prevent the cross coming back across goal.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
21:05 , Chris Wilson61 mins
First subs of the day as Dolberg is replaced by Albert Gronbaek.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
21:03 , Chris Wilson58 mins
Oh what a chance!
Lovely play from Scotland, as Hickey breaks free on the right before slipping a ball inside for McGinn. He looks up and picks out the overlapping Adams, and Scotland have a 2-v-1.
Adams manages to square a perfect pass for Dykes and he gets it under control but can’t hit it first time, eventually seeing a shot blocked! He was 1-v-1 at one point, and that’s the best chance of the game so far.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
21:00 , Chris Wilson55 mins
Better again from the Danes, who recycle possession near the box before seeing two crosses cleared in quick succession.
They come again though, and they’re starting to turn the screw a little, though McTominay manages to shepherd a through ball out for a goal kick.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
20:58 , Chris Wilson52 mins
CLOSE! Denmark’s best chance so far.
They work it wide and the cross is delivered, with Dolberg dummying it on the outside of the box as it rolls to Hojbjerg, who fires a goal-bound shot that Hanley does well to deflect behind.
Elsewhere, McTominay is fine to carry on too.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
20:54 , Chris Wilson49 mins
More good work from McTominay as he skips past Hjulmand in the box before forcing a low save from Schmeichel.
Moments later, the Napoli man is down after landing awkwardly.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
20:51 , Chris Wilson47 mins
No changes for either side, though that was probably to be expected.
Encouraging signs for Scotland, with McTominay driving into the box before his cross is deflected into the path of McGinn, who sees his shot deflect behind off Maehle.
Moments earlier, the Villa man had come inches away from laying a chance on a plate for Christie too.
HALF-TIME! Denmark 0-0 Scotland
20:48 , Chris WilsonBack underway at Parken!
HALF-TIME! Denmark 0-0 Scotland
20:47 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are re-emerging from the tunnel so we’ll be back underway soon.
HALF-TIME! Denmark 0-0 Scotland
20:40 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Denmark 0-0 Scotland
20:34 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the whistle and we go in level at the break.
Scotland grew into that half and Clarke will be happy with that first period overall.
Scotland need some attacking verve if they’re going to take three points here though.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
20:32 , Chris Wilson45 mins
Looks as though Christie has survived. That really was a terrible challenge!
Denmark have the free-kick on the right wing as we enter a single minute of added time.
The hosts use a training ground routine and work it wide to get the cross in, but it’s nowhere near a red shirt.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
20:30 , Chris Wilson43 mins
Denmark have fashioned some promising openings but each time the final ball has lacked the necessary quality, as it does now as Kristensen’s first-time cross is easily cleared.
Christie goes into the book for a high challenge, raking his studs across the knee. This will get a second look from VAR...
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
20:28 , Chris Wilson41 mins
Opportunities to build at both ends as Robertson can’t quite keep possession in the Denmark box. He felt a pull and went down, but the ref wasn't having it.
At the other end, the hosts are appealing for a hand ball on McGinn but that would be incredibly harsh, having bounced off a foot and onto his forearm.
Again, the ref isn’t bothered anyway.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
20:25 , Chris Wilson39 mins
CLOSE! The best chance of the game so far for Scotland as McGinn’s cross finds Christie at the far posts. He heads it across goal towards the far corner but can’t get it on target.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
20:24 , Chris Wilson37 mins
Denmark clip another ball into the box but Gunn is off his line well again to collect. Moments earlier, Hickey was given a yellow for kicking the ball away.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
20:23 , Chris Wilson36 mins
Good ‘keeping here as Gunn races off his line to smother the ball after Biereth was inches away from having a clear shot on goal in the box.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
20:19 , Chris Wilson34 mins
Potential danger for Scotland as McTominay is dispossessed in midfield and there’s suddenly a 3-v-3, but the through ball is poor and Denmark have to settle for a corner, which Gunn eventually collects.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
20:18 , Chris Wilson31 mins
Andersen wins the header at the back post but Scotland get away with it.
At the other end, Adams holds up play brilliantly before spreading it wide to McGinn, who sees his cross headed away before Christie picks up a loose ball and curls an effort wide from distance. It gets a deflection but the ref didn’t see it.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
20:15 , Chris Wilson29 mins
Half a chance for the hosts as Kristensen clips in a cross that Biereth diverts goalwards, though Hanley heads it behind.
From the corner, Gunn punches away and Scotland regroup, though Hickey concedes a foul on the left wing and the hosts will have another chance to swing in a dangerous delivery.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
20:12 , Chris Wilson26 mins
McGinn floats a lovely ball wide to Christie on the left. He looks up and delivers a brilliant ball that bounces right between the ‘keeper and his defenders on the six-yard line, but Adams can’t stretch to make contact.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
20:09 , Chris Wilson23 mins
Scotland are unable to make anything from a free-kick from deep, and we remain all level halfway into the first period.
Denmark had the better of the opening stages but Scotland have settled in the last 10, as Dykes wins a throw deep into the Denmark half after making a clever run.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
20:06 , Chris Wilson20 mins
Ferguson swings in a good delivery and it comes to McGinn at the back post, but he can’t direct his shot on target.
Denmark win a free-kick and try to go long quickly to Biereth, but Souttar wins the challenge this time.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
20:04 , Chris Wilson18 mins
Solid defending from the visitors as they deal with two successive corners before winning a foul in their box.
Scotland go up the other end and win their first corner of the match.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
20:01 , Chris Wilson16 mins
Better from Scotland as they finally manage to launch an attack, and though Hickey can’t get the ball in first time they recycle possession and Robertson’s cross ends up being headed wide by Dykes.
Moments later, they win the ball in midfield and McTominay has the chance to slip the through ball to Adams, but the opts to shoot instead and it’s blocked.
At the other end, Damsgaard almost has the space to shoot but Hanley gets back to put it behind for a corner.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
19:59 , Chris Wilson14 mins
Scotland really are struggling to keep any possession at the moment, and the latest incident almost leaves Biereth with a shooting chance on the outside of the box.
Denmark come again but McTominay manages to divert a pass away from Dolberg.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
19:57 , Chris Wilson11 mins
Plenty of possession for the hosts and Scotland are struggling to keep it when they do get into attacking areas.
The hosts counter but Damsgaard and Dolberg can’t create the shooting opportunity, before Kristensen rifles a wild cross well over.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
19:54 , Chris Wilson9 mins
Damsgaard delivers the set-piece and it’s so easy for the hosts, as Hjulmand breaks free unmarked but can only hit it straight at Gunn.
He was offside though.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
19:53 , Chris Wilson7 mins
Denmark keep some sustained possession without really advancing, and they eventually win a free-kick mid-way into the Scotland half.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
19:50 , Chris Wilson4 mins
Lyndon Dykes is penalised for a late challenge. Just letting the defender know he’s there.
And we do have an early yellow now as Denmark captain Hojbjerg scythes down McGinn in midfield.
Denmark 0-0 Scotland
19:49 , Chris Wilson2 mins
Early possession is all Denmark’s, as they win a corner after seeing the first cross of the game headed away.
The set-piece is too deep and Denmark regroup.
Greece are already 1-0 up against Belarus.
KICK-OFF! Denmark 0-0 Scotland
19:46 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway in Copenhagen!
The first step in what could be a first World Cup finals since 1998 for Scotland.
Denmark vs Scotland LIVE
19:41 , Chris WilsonThe teams are emerging from the tunnel and the anthems will be coming soon in Copenhagen.
What a start to the campaign it could be if Scotland can grab a win here.
Denmark vs Scotland LIVE
19:35 , Chris Wilson
Match stats
19:30 , Chris WilsonThe last five meetings between these sides have all been won by the home team – the last away victory came for the Danes at Hampden in an August 2002 friendly (0-1).
In fact, Denmark have won their last three home matches against Scotland without conceding, and have won 10 of their last 11 World Cup qualifiers.
However, Scotland have won their last three away qualifiers since losing 2-0 in Copenhagen in September 2021.
Hojbjerg: 'The best Scottish team since I've been playing'
19:25 , Chris WilsonDenmark captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg also thinks his side are in for “a tough game”.
“It's probably for me, the best Scottish team since I've been playing with the national team,” he explained.
"It's exciting. It's something we've been looking forward to. We know it will be a tough game against a tough opponent, but we're happy to start at home in our own stadium,” he added.
Robertson: 'I think it's a really difficult game'
19:20 , Chris WilsonScotland captain Andy Robertson has said that he thinks his team are in for "a really difficult game” tonight.
“I remember last time we were out there they like to start fast.
"The fans create an incredible atmosphere in that stadium, always right behind their team and try and drive them forward from whistle one.
"We'll have a game plan to try and do that and cause them problems where we believe that we can and if we do that and we're compact as a team and we defend well then we believe we can get a result but we have to go show that,” he added.
When is Scotland vs Denmark?
19:15 , Chris WilsonWith 30 minutes until kick-off, here is a reminder of how you can watch tonight’s game.
Scotland’s World Cup qualifier against Denmark kicks off at 7:45pm BST on Friday 5 September at Parken in Copenhagen.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the game live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer with coverage starting at 7:30pm BST.
Head-to-head
19:07 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have met 15 times in the past, with Scotland actually holding a winning record having won eight and lost seven previous matches.
The last time they met was in World Cup qualifiers in 2021, with Scotland winning 2-0 at home before losing 2-0 away.
Clarke praises Group C opponents
19:00 , Chris WilsonSteve Clarke has labelled the other teams in Group C as “three good sides”, ahead of the qualifying campaign kicking off.
"Denmark are obviously an established pot one team. They've been known to get to the later stages of tournaments,” he explained.
"We saw Greece at Hampden in March [a 3-0 defeat]. We know they're a good team and they're probably a team that's on the ascendancy, coming up the way.
"So they're maybe one of the more difficult pot two teams and Belarus are a strong pot four team. We know it's a tough section where the teams can all take points off each other.
"It's another opportunity. It's a tournament we haven't been at for a long, long time.
"We believe that this group of players and this group of coaches can deliver, so that's what we have to try and do,” he added.
World Cup qualifying Group C
18:50 , Chris WilsonGroup C is one of a few groups to not get going yet, with some of its teams having been involved in Nations league play-offs in March and June.
As well as Scotland and Denmark, it contains minnows Belarus and Greece, who beat the Scots 3-1 on aggregate in a Nations League play-off at the end of March.
Denmark are favourites to top the group and qualify automatically, while Scotland are currently ranked as third favourites after their loss to Greece.
Clarke: Scotland 'deserve to go to a World Cup'
18:40 , Chris WilsonSpeaking before today’s match, Steve Clarke told BBC Scotland that this current crop of Scotland players have “been great for the country and they deserve to go to a World Cup”.
“It's about the country and it's about this group of players who have been fantastic over the last six-and-a-bit years that I've been in charge.
“But deserving to go and going is two different things because you have to work very, very hard."
Team news
18:31 , Chris WilsonSteve Clarke has made seven changes to the side that beat Liechtenstein 4-0 last time out in June.
In goal, Angus Gunn returns in place of Ross Doohan, while in defence there are three changes as Ralston, McKenna and Hendry make way for Aaron Hickey, John Souttar and Grant Hanley.
In midfield, Scott McTominay and Ryan Christie take the places of Billy Gilmour and Lennon Miller, while up front Lyndon Dykes comes in for George Hirst.
Line-ups
18:27 , Chris WilsonDenmark XI: Schmeichel; Kristensen, Andersen, Christensen, Maehle; Dreyer, Højbjerg, Hjulmand, Damsgaard; Dolberg; Biereth.
Subs: Dorgu, Gaaei, Gronbaek, Hermansen, Hogsberg, Jørgensen, Froholdt, O’Riley, Osula, Skov Olsen, Vestergaard, Hojlund.
Line-ups
18:23 , Chris WilsonScotland XI: Gunn; Hickey, Souttar, Hanley, Robertson; Ferguson, McTominay, Christie, McGinn; Adams, Dykes.
Subs: Kelly, Clark, Doig, Gilmour, Hendry, Miller, McKenna, Gannon-Doak, Hirst, Bowie, Johnston, McLean.
Your Scotland team to take on Denmark in Copenhagen this evening.
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) September 5, 2025
Come on Scotland!#SCODEN pic.twitter.com/z8DDirlzHb
Team news
18:10 , Chris WilsonWe’re expecting the line-ups to come around 6.15pm, so here’s a reminder of the early team news...
Clarke will be without Celtic pair Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston who have withdrawn from the Scotland squad, with Sassuolo left-back Josh Doig being called up to replenish his pool. The duo join goalkeeper Craig Gordon and defender Nathan Patterson as significant injury absentees. Napoli hero Scott McTominay will be expected to start, while Billy Gilmour, John McGinn and Lewis Ferguson are also available.
Elliot Anderson ‘really thankful’ he made the decision to focus on England
18:00 , Chris WilsonElliot Anderson is “really thankful” he chose not to represent Scotland at senior level as he hopes for an England debut this week.
The 22-year-old Nottingham Forest midfielder, who was born in Whitley Bay, represented Scotland at youth level from Under-16s to Under-21s and boss Steve Clarke named him in the senior squad for matches against Cyprus and England in 2023.
But he withdrew from the squad, citing an injury, and later pledged his allegiance to the country of his birth.
Elliot Anderson ‘really thankful’ he made the decision to focus on England
Kieffer Moore goal ensures Wales edge out Kazakhstan in World Cup qualifier
17:50 , Chris WilsonThe report from Wales game yesterday, as Craig Bellamy’s side put themselves in a good position in Group J.
Wales went top of their World Cup qualifying group with a hard-fought 1-0 win in Kazakhstan.
Kieffer Moore marked the occasion of his 50th cap with a 24th-minute strike from close range. It was Moore’s 15th international goal and drew him level with the great John Charles.
Wales entered the Group J contest ranked 83 places higher than Kazakhstan in the Fifa world rankings, whose position of 114th casts them among the minnows of European football.
Kieffer Moore goal ensures Wales edge out Kazakhstan in World Cup qualifier
Predicted line-ups
17:40 , Chris WilsonDenmark XI: Schmeichel; Nissen, Andersen, Christiensen, Dorgu; O’Riley, Hjulmand; Isaksen, Eriksen, Lindstrom; Hojlund.
Scotland XI: Gunn; Johnston, Souttar, Hanley, Tierney, Robertson; McGinn, Ferguson, Gilmour, McTominay; Adams.
When is Scotland vs Denmark?
17:30 , Chris WilsonScotland’s World Cup qualifier against Denmark kicks off at 7:45pm BST on Friday 5 September at Parken in Copenhagen.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the game live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer with coverage starting at 7:30pm BST.
Team news
17:20 , Chris WilsonClarke will be without Celtic pair Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston who have withdrawn from the Scotland squad, with Sassuolo left-back Josh Doig being called up to replenish his pool. The duo join goalkeeper Craig Gordon and defender Nathan Patterson as significant injury absentees. Napoli hero Scott McTominay will be expected to start, while Billy Gilmour, John McGinn and Lewis Ferguson are also available.
Denmark, meanwhile, will have Barcelona star Andreas Christensen back in the fold after 14 months out of the international picture, a huge boost for Riemer’s side. He is expected to form a centre-back partnership with Fulham defender Joachim Anderson.
Denmark vs Scotland LIVE
17:10 , Chris WilsonScotland begin their World Cup qualifying campaign with a tough trip to Denmark as they bid to compete in the tournament’s finals for the first time since 1998.
Steve Clarke’s side will hope to build on their 4-0 thrashing of Lichtenstein last time out, which followed a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Iceland at Hampden Park.
Denmark, meanwhile, will look to make it three wins on the trot, with recent victorious international friendlies against Northern Ireland and Lithuania giving Brian Riemer’s side plenty of confidence.
Greece and Belarus are the other nations vying for a place in next year’s World Cup in Group C.
Good evening
17:00 , Chris WilsonHello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s World Cup qualifying match between Scotland and Denmark.
Steve Clarke’s side travel to Copenhagen for their first qualifier of Group C, as the Scots bid to make their first World Cup since 1998.
Belarus and Greece make up the other teams vying for automatic qualification to next year’s tournament, and Scotland will fancy their chances of finishing first, especially if they can nick a positive result at Parken tonight.
We’ll have all the latest team news and updates right here.
