ClapYou could be forgiven for thinking that Andy Robertson is some kind of wizard, because just a few months on from helping Liverpool end their 30-year wait for an English league title, the full-back has once again featured in a history-making side.
That’s because last night, the Scottish national team ensured that they will play at a major international tournament for the first time since the 1998 FIFA World Cup as they beat Serbia on penalties in Belgrade to book their place at UEFA Euro 2021.
It was the definition of a dramatic night, and yet even though the scoreline remained goalless heading into half time, it still felt like Scotland were the ones dictating the pace of the game.
It was one of the best performances we’ve seen from them in years and they seemed to cap it off in style early in the second half when Ryan Christie gave them a the lead.
Alas, edging out a 1-0 wouldn’t be the Scotland way, and they were forced to wait for their moment after Luka Jovic headed in a heartbreaking equaliser from an injury time corner.
The Scots had to pick themselves back up and go again and that’s exactly what they did, as they calmed down the Serbian storm to take the tie to penalties.
We saw nine magnificent penalties converted, and then finally, Aleksandar Mitrovic stepped up to try and take the shootout into sudden death – but David Marshall had other plans.
He followed up on a tremendous extra time save by denying Mitrovic from the spot, and after a quick check with the referee that his foot was on the line, Marshall joined his onrushing teammates to celebrate The Tartan Army’s return to the big time.
The aforementioned Robertson was understandably lost for words on Scottish football’s greatest night of the 21st century.
“I don’t think we can sum it up just now. So much emotion going into the game and then to get so close, they equalise and you have to pick yourself up which we did. When we go to penalties you always back Marshy and just hope the lads can hold their nerve. We’ve come a long way as a squad and I’m proud of the lads because they’ve been through a lot, had a lot of criticism. Other people would have crumbled and lost in extra time but we stuck together, got what we deserved and I can’t wait for the summer now. It’s the most emotional I’ve been after a game and I’m so proud. What a night, so hard to explain just now, tears everywhere. These lads deserve it, I’m just the boy that’s so lucky to walk out in front of them.”
While they do have the Nations League to think about, Scots around the world can now look forward to Euro 2021 where they will face Croatia, Czech Republic and, most importantly, the Auld Enemy – England.
After what has been a terrible year for many, Scotland fans now have something to really celebrate.
