IT'S SWEET NOTHING

Solid show as goalless draw earns valuable point

- By Ronnie Esplin in Copenhagen

SCOTLAND 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, who have not qualified for World Cup finals since France 1998, take on Belarus behind closed doors in Hungary on Monday in their second Group C game and will need all three points from that clash, with Greece making up the four-team section.

Clarke spoke in glowing terms about 19-year-old Ben Gannon-Doak before the game, but the Bournemouth winger started on the bench as the Scotland boss went for power.