The last year or so had given Scotland fans hope something serious was going on under Steve Clarke, but – after the Hampden win over Denmark – they now have unequivocal proof.
It was not just a stunning 2-0 victory against the 10th-ranked international side on the planet, which secured three World Cup qualifying points and a coveted seeded berth in March’s play-offs.
I would go as far to say it was one of best, if not the best Scotland performance for two decades, and it’s been a long time since we’ve seen something like it.
Under Clarke, Scotland overcame Serbia on penalties to reach the Euros, then drew with England at Wembley during the championships in the summer, but the performance against the Danes was a different level of style, belief and confidence.
The visitors, captained by Leicester City goalkeeper extraordinaire Kasper Schmeichel, had a few starting players missing. However, they still had a side packed with quality on paper – and we dominated them to secure a sixth straight qualifying win for the first time in our history.
It was ok beating Moldova, a team we were expected to defeat, to secure a place in the play-offs on Friday.
But this was further proof, while we’ve had plenty of managers and players who have talked a lot about ending Scotland’s time in the international wilderness, Clarke and his players are the real deal.
They have a togetherness and have every chance of following up Euro qualification by coming through a semi-final and final in March to reach Qatar 2022 – which would be our first trip to the World Cup since France 1998.
Home play-off tie is precious to Scots
Scotland’s play-off semi-final seeding means they will be at home for the opening one-legged clash in March, and they should get a more winnable tie.
It will be precious to Clarke and his team to play such a big game in front of a packed Hampden.
Make no mistake, the fans who have been at the dramatic qualifying wins over Israel and Denmark will be desperate to get tickets for the play-off semi.
I felt the atmosphere at those games, and know how the Hampden roar will have helped the players. It will be vital in March.
Clarke’s team selection showed belief
Before the Denmark game we knew several Scotland players were walking a yellow card tightrope.
The likes of Scott McTominay didn’t make it due to injury, but Clarke started five of the players at risk.
He decided to have a go; to pick a strong side against the European Championship semi-finalists.
It is what I would have done. It has been a slow burn under former Kilmarnock boss Clarke, but Scotland have shown the quality and ability to handle the pressure in big games.
The 1-0 win away to the group’s second-seeded side Austria earlier in the qualifying game was a rare, huge victory away from home, for example, and Clarke clearly felt they could get another massive result.
I thought those questioning playing some players against Denmark – and risking their participation in the play-off semi in March – were not giving those at-risk Dark Blues stars enough credit.
I played 65 times for Scotland, was supposed to be a tough-tackling, hard man, and got booked once. At the highest level, you have got to use what is between your ears to play smarter and Scotland did that.
The referee for the game had frightening stats from a disciplinary perspective going into the game, but, crucially, Scotland combined aggression with intelligence.
Impossible to pick a top Scot
It is very hard to single out any of the Scotland players for individual praise following the win over Denmark.
Expectedly, Liverpool’s Champions League-winner Andy Robertson gave a complete performance, but Motherwell’s Stephen O’Donnell – whose place in the national team ranks has been questioned – was also top notch in the opposite wing-back role.
In the midfield, Premier League players John McGinn and young Billy Gilmour could not be faulted, but neither could Celtic captain Callum McGregor.
Centre-back John Souttar and striker Che Adams got the goals – but it would be impossible to place anyone outside of the “very good” or “great” bracket in game where we limited a dangerous Denmark side to one header on target.
🙌 Magnificent, @CheAdams_ #SCODEN pic.twitter.com/5RxsxUwM9w
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) November 15, 2021
It’s remarkable. We do not have any holes in the Scotland team at the moment and no areas of concern as we wait for the World Cup play-offs in March.
How often have we been able to say that?
John Souttar caps fairytale return
Aberdeen-born, Aberdeenshire-raised John Souttar’s finish to open the scoring against the Danes was undoubtedly a fairytale story.
Souttar, 25, has had a miserable time with two Achilles injuries since his last cap against Israel in 2018 – a game where the Scots lost 2-1 and the Hearts defender got sent off.
He has battled back to form with the Jambos and, although we now seem to have centre-backs coming out of our ears, the absence of the likes of McTominay, Grant Hanley and Jack Hendry saw Clarke give him his opportunity.
Souttar grasped it with both hands. Not only by getting the goal, which was a real feelgood moment as he sprinted into the corner to celebrate, but also with how he defended in the second half when the Scots found themselves under pressure.
Clarke will now have one of those good team selection dilemmas come the play-offs in March.
Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney will be on the left of the three-man defence if available, but there are an abundance of options to line up alongside him.
Souttar’s big performance will have put him at the forefront of the manager’s mind.
What a moment for @JohnSouttar 🏴🙌#SCODENpic.twitter.com/t9F5vkwtys
— Scotland National Team (@ScotlandNT) November 15, 2021
Four points against Dundee United and Celtic would be a satisfactory return for Aberdeen
Aberdeen return to Premiership action this weekend against Dundee United, who have had a really impressive start to the season under Tam Courts and a lot of plaudits.
Since the Dons beat them on opening day, the Terrors have worked their way into the top six, while Stephen Glass’ Reds are sitting six points behind them in seventh.
Glass may be hoping United try to take the game to Aberdeen at Tannadice, as the Dons have fared better against those kind of opponents, rather than organised, defensive teams who have looked to hit them on the break.
The 2-0 loss to Motherwell before the international break was a prime example of Glass’ side having all of the ball, not managing to use it and then being sucker-punched.
From more even toe-to-toe clashes against Hibs, Rangers and Hearts, they emerged with seven points.
In the next period, Aberdeen need to start finding ways to break down the stubborn teams down near the bottom of the table they’ve been struggling against – being more ruthless upfront and making less mistakes at the back.
But, for this weekend and the following game against Celtic, they need to use the confidence gained against Hibs, Rangers and Hearts, and forget what happened against Motherwell.
Four points from the next two would further bolster the morale of what is a strong playing squad, and going into a run of games against opponents who are, in theory, not as strong.
The aim for the pre-January period – ahead of the opportunity to strengthen further in the transfer window – has to be to climb the table and prove to the doubters it can still be a successful season, despite a shaky start.
