"Defensive solidity was a hallmark of the Steve Clarke Scotland teams that qualified for successive European Championships. However, they shipped goals three against Greece and Iceland in back-to-back games earlier this year as cracks appeared in that often-dependable backline. In Copenhagen, the battling qualities returned. The Scots limited Denmark to two shots on target from 55 final-third entries as the visitors held their shape superbly."
""It was about staying in the game," Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn said. "We're managing games better. Tonight looked like a Steve Clarke team." Indeed, this is the first time Scotland have registered three consecutive away clean sheets since November 2021 - a welcome return for their frugal defence. "Scotland were happy to sit back and fight it out," former Rangers and Denmark striker Peter Lovenkrands said. "They made it so difficult for Denmark.""
Scotland opened World Cup qualification with a goalless draw in Denmark that produced tactical talking points despite limited scoring. Team selection, tactical approach and the return of familiar faces attracted criticism before the match. The Scotland side prioritized defensive solidity, limiting Denmark to just two shots on target from 55 final-third entries and repeatedly blocking chances. The result marked the third consecutive away clean sheet for Scotland, the first such run since November 2021. Centre-backs Grant Hanley and John Souttar combined for 16 clearances and won 10 duels. The next qualifier is an away fixture in Hungary against Belarus on Monday, live on the BBC.
Read at www.bbc.com
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