SNS GroupScotland head coach celebrated the national team’s World Cup qualification and said fans should be proud of the players who gave them an unforgettable night at Hampden.
The national team defeated top seeds 4-2 with some incredible goals to top their group and qualify for the finals for the first time since 1998.
Scott McTominay opened the scoring with a stunning overhead kick before Denmark equalised but Lawrence Shankland restored the hosts’ lead. Denmark levelled again but a spectacular strike in injury time from Kieran Tierney made it 3-2 before Kenny McLean sealed passage to North America with a goal from his own half.
Each goal brought wild celebrations from the Hampden crowd and there were jubilant scenes in the stands at full time.
Asked what message he had for the supporters after the decades-long wait for a return to the World Cup was ended.
“My message to them would be that I’ll see you in the USA, Mexico or Canada,” Clarke said. “Get your visas, get your tickets, and the good thing is you’ve got six months to prepare.
“We don’t have to wait until March (to qualify) via the play-offs. We can have a couple of friendly games and look forward to the tournament.
“That’s what they have to do.”
Clarke, who has led the club to back-to-back European Championships since being appointed in 2019, said he hoped his squad gets recognition for the scale of their achievement.
“They should be proud of the players and proud of their country,” he said. “The last time Scotland qualified as first in their section was 1982.
“I was 19. A long time ago, eh?
“That shows you the magnitude of what this team has achieved.
“When I came here it was 20-odd years in the wilderness. No qualifications.
“Now it’s three out of four. Not bad.”
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