Scotland midfielder Ryan Christie survived a Video Assistant Referee check for a red card as the visitors and Denmark shared a goalless first half at Parken in the start of their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaigns on Friday.
Bournemouth’s Christie sent Marseille counterpart Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg tumbling with a high boot on a leg just inside the visitors’ half by a sideline shortly before half-time in Copenhagen.
“I think they do [check] because of how high the challenge was,” former Scotland international James McFadden told BBC Sport.
“The ball was in the air. I don’t think it was intentional but that doesn’t matter because he is high, he catches him on the knee and rakes down his leg.”
Ex-Scotland striker Steven Thompson suggested the challenge lacked “force”. “That’s what’s got him off the hook, there,” Thompson added. “It’s a definite booking, though.”
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— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) September 5, 2025
Denmark vs Scotland: ‘Not the best’
An uneventful first half might have suited Scotland against opponents whose only defeat in their previous 17 home matches came against European champions Spain.
“It’s not the best game of football I’ve ever watched or the most entertaining but, from a Scotland point of view, we’ve looked organised with the two banks of four,” said ex-Scotland striker Steven Thompson, adding that manager Steve Clarke would be “really pleased” at the break.
“We’ve got ourselves into reasonably good areas and we just lack a bit a wee bit of quality when we get there.”
Former Tartan Army stalwart Scott Brown agreed. “We’ve frustrated them,” he observed. “Steve will be as happy as he can possibly be.
“We’ve been solid. The only couple of chances Denmark have created have been through our mistakes. We could have opened up and switched play at times.”
World Cup qualifying: Eriksen absence ‘obvious’
Denmark’s absentees included Christian Eriksen, who has been training with reigning Swedish champions Malmo following the playmaker’s exit from Manchester United, and injured Lazio winger Gustav Isaksen
“It’s quite obvious that they’re missing someone like Christian Eriksen in the middle of the park and Gustav Isaksen on the wing, who can create something out of nothing, runs at defenders and opens the pitch up,” said former Rangers and Denmark forward Peter Lovenkrands.
“Those two are a big miss. Denmark have had a lot of possession and good opportunities but that last pass to open Scotland up is missing.
“It’s been positive for Denmark – they’ve been good on the ball but not been able to find that final pass.”
Denmark team vs Scotland
Kasper Schmeichel, who won a Scottish treble with Celtic last season, was in goal for Denmark, whose squad also featured 10 Premier League players.
Their bench included Manchester United wideman Patrick Dorgu and forward Rasmus Hojlund, who is on loan to Napoli.
Manager Brian Riemer is hoping to lead the hosts to a third consecutive appearance at the finals.
Denmark starting XI: Kasper Schmeichel, Rasmus Kristensen, Joachim Andersen, Andreas Christensen, Joakim Maehle, Anders Dreyer, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Morten Hjulmand, Mikkel Damsgaard, Kasper Dolberg, Mika Biereth
Denmark substitutes: Mads Hermansen, Filip Jorgensen, Jannik Vestergaard, Lucas Hogsberg, Matt O’Riley, William Osula, Rasmus Hojlund, Albert Gronbaek, Andreas Skov Olsen, Victor Froholdt, Patrick Dorgu, Anton Gaaei while Steve Clarke’s side are hoping to end their country’s absence since 1998.
Scotland team vs Denmark
Scotland last won in Denmark in 1975 and trail 11-7 in the head-to-head record between the countries, who have never shared a draw.
Celtic full-backs Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston withdrew from Scotland’s squad with knocks. Sassuolo’s Josh Doig was called up as cover.
Brentford full-back Aaron Hickey returned after an absence of almost two years following hamstring problems.
Scotland starting XI: Angus Gunn, Aaron Hickey, John Souttar, Grant Hanley, Andry Robertson, John McGinn, Scott McTominay, Ryan Christie, Che Adams, Lewis Ferguson, Lyndon Dykes
Scotland substitutes: Liam Kelly, Zander Clark, Josh Doig, Billy Gilmour, Jack Hendry, Lennon Miller, Scott McKenna, Ben Gannon-Doak, George Hirst, Kieron Bowie, Max Johnston, Kenny McLean
How to watch Denmark vs Scotland: Live stream, TV channel
Kick-off on Friday was at 19:45 BST (14:45 ET / 11:45 PT), with live coverage in the UK on BBC Two and BBC Scotland.
Fans can live-stream the action via the BBC iPlayer app or the BBC Sport website.
Full Scotland squad for September 2025 World Cup qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Zander Clark, Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly
Defenders: Josh Doig, Grant Hanley, Jack Hendry, Aaron Hickey, Dom Hyam, Max Johnston, Scott McKenna, Andy Robertson, John Souttar
Midfielders: Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson, Ben Gannon Doak, Billy Gilmour, John McGinn, Kenny McLean, Scott McTominay, Lennon Miller
Forwards: Che Adams, Kieron Bowie, Lyndon Dykes, George Hirst
Scotland football team World Cup qualifying fixtures
All fixtures start at 19:45 UK time (14:45 ET / 11:45 PT) unless otherwise stated.
Friday, September 5: Denmark vs Scotland
Monday, September 8: Belarus vs Scotland
Thursday, October 9: Scotland vs Greece
Sunday, October 12: Scotland vs Belarus (17:00)
Saturday, November 15: Greece vs Scotland
Tuesday, November 18: Scotland vs Denmark
Scotland games: What happens if they top group?
The top team from each of the 12 European Qualifier groups proceeds automatically to the finals, which will be expanded to 48 teams.
England, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Portugal, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain, France and Croatia are among the favourites to win their groups.
What happens if Scotland finish second in World Cup qualifiers?
Scotland will be eliminated if they finish third or below and enter the play-offs between March 26-31 2026 if they come second.
The 12 runners-up in each group will join four Nations League teams in the play-offs, which will be drawn from pots based on teams’ records during the campaign. The games will comprise single-leg semi-finals and finals.
The draw for the World Cup finals will take place in December 2025. The tournament runs from June 11 until July 19 2026.
