Robertson Dedicates World Cup Qualification to Jota
Scotland captain Andrew Robertson revealed that the pre-match build-up to the crucial game against Denmark, where his team secured their place in the World Cup, was marked by emotion and the memory of his former Liverpool teammate, Diogo Jota.
The 4-2 victory over Denmark in Glasgow, with goals from Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland, Kieran Tierney, and Kenny McLean, sealed Scotland’s ticket to the 2026 World Cup, marking their first appearance since 1998.
“I was heartbroken,” Robertson confessed about the emotional impact of the qualification, especially because of his close friendship with Jota.
Andrew Robertson
Robertson, 31, admitted that the joy of the qualification was marred by sadness, due to his deep friendship with Portuguese striker Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident along with his brother André Silva in July.
The Liverpool defender, who has achieved great success at Anfield since his arrival in 2017, including two Premier League titles and a Champions League, as well as the FA Cup and the EFL Cup, described the victory against Denmark as “one of the greatest nights of my life”.Robertson shared with Jota the dream of playing in the World Cup.
“I knew that, because of my age, this would be my last chance to play in a World Cup and I couldn’t get my friend Diogo Jota out of my head today,” Robertson said.
“We talked so much about the World Cup. He missed the one in Qatar [2022] due to an injury and I had never qualified. We always discussed what it would be like to go to this World Cup, but I know he will be smiling for me tonight. I couldn’t get him out of my head all day, so I was a little down in my room before. I think I hid it well from the guys, but I’m so happy it ended this way.”
“Honestly, this group of lads and the staff, it’s the best group I’ve been involved with and the manager’s [Steve Clarke] speech before the game was incredible,” said Robertson.
“He told us about the memories we have created and about creating another one. We were quite excited at that moment, so doing it for everyone will be remembered as one of the greatest nights of my life.”
“We just kept going until the end. It was one of the craziest football matches and we certainly put the country through this, but I’m sure it was worth it because we’re going to the World Cup and I can’t believe it.”
