WCQ: Denmark Fails to Break Down Scotland's Defense in 0-0 Draw
Scotland earned a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Denmark in their World Cup qualification match. Denmark's home record remains strong.
The Denmark team showed little indication of scoring before halftime, but their mood shifted dramatically after a late challenge by Scotland's Ryan..
Denmark and Scotland kicked off their FIFA World Cup qualification campaigns with a goalless draw at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen. This result means Denmark's last home WCQ loss was to Montenegro in October 2016, showcasing their impressive home record in qualifying matches.
The match against Denmark, ranked as Group C's toughest opponent by FIFA, got off to a promising start for Scotland. Within the first 10 minutes, Lyndon Dykes showcased his skill, narrowly missing the target with a header that would have given Scotland an early lead. This early chance set the tone for a competitive match, with Scotland holding their own against the Danish side.
Scotland's chances of scoring increased midway through the first half when Lewis Ferguson delivered a precise corner kick that found John McGinn unmarked at the far post. This presented McGinn with an excellent opportunity to score, but unfortunately, it didn't result in a goal. Despite this, Scotland's performance demonstrated their potential and ability to create scoring chances against a formidable opponent like Denmark.
John McGinn, Scotland's typically reliable player, had a chance to score but unfortunately, his tame effort sailed wide of the post, leaving the Scottish fans in attendance at Parken Stadium wondering what could have been.
Despite playing in front of a packed-out Parken Stadium, Denmark put up an underwhelming display. However, their impressive home record, with 11 wins in their last 12 games, suggested it was only a matter of time before they found their rhythm and took control of the match.
The Denmark team showed little indication of scoring before halftime, but their mood shifted dramatically after a late challenge by Scotland's Ryan Christie on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. The incident sparked an angry reaction from the Danish bench, with Denmark boss Brian Riemer visibly frustrated. Despite the protests, neither referee Daniel Siebert nor the VAR team deemed the challenge worthy of further review.
Denmark's frustration intensified in the second half when they failed to capitalize on Scotland's mistakes, and their own errors nearly led to conceding a goal. This was a concerning start to the half for Riemer’s side, who had been hoping to make a strong impression in their World Cup qualifier against Scotland.
Denmark's Joakim Maehle made a crucial block to deny Scotland the lead. He quickly reacted to close down John McGinn, who had an open shot on goal. Maehle's timely intervention kept the score level and gave Denmark a lifeline.
The Danes created their first meaningful chance just after the hour mark. Anders Dreyer fired a long-range shot that hit the side netting, providing a glimmer of hope for the home side. Despite the lack of scoring opportunities, Denmark continued to push for a breakthrough.
Denmark's frustration mounted as they felt another contentious decision went against them. Max Johnston was given a yellow card for handball, which Denmark believed was an incorrect call, especially since Mika Biereth seemed poised to score. The referee reviewed the play using the pitchside monitor but ultimately upheld the yellow card decision.
The referee's decision to stick with the original call after reviewing the footage was notable. Typically, VAR interventions aim to correct clear errors or overlooked incidents. In this case, the referee chose to maintain the yellow card, leaving Denmark feeling aggrieved about the outcome.
Scotland adopted a defensive approach in the second half, largely absorbing Denmark's pressure. However, the introduction of Ben Doak in the late stages injected new energy into the team.
Doak nearly secured a dramatic win for Scotland with a moment of individual brilliance. He skillfully wriggled free in the penalty area and unleashed a shot that was blocked at the last second, deflecting over the bar. This was Scotland's best chance of the match, and it came tantalizingly close to yielding a goal.
The point earned by Scotland suits them well ahead of their upcoming match against Belarus. A win in that game would be crucial for Scotland's World Cup qualification chances.
Denmark's failure to win at home could have significant implications for their World Cup qualification campaign. Despite showing defensive solidity, the Danes will need to regroup and find a way to secure victories in upcoming matches to stay competitive in their group.
No comments:
Leave comment here