Steve Clarke lauded the refereeing performance of Daniel Siebert after Scotland secured a goalless draw against Denmark in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier in Copenhagen. The match saw a potentiallygame-changing moment when Max Johnston, who had just come on as a substitute, appeared to use his arm as the last man in defense, leading to a VAR review.
The incident in question involved Johnston, who replaced the booked Aaron Hickey in the 70th minute, making contact with the ball with his arm. Siebert initially showed Johnston a yellow card, but the VAR prompted him to review the play on the pitchside monitor. A red card, which would have meant denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity for Denmark, was a distinct possibility.
Clarke admitted he was "just a little bit worried" during the review. However, after watching the replay, Siebert chose to stick with his original decision. Clarke explained that the referee told him there was a "nudge" in Johnston's back, which influenced the ball hitting his arm. Clarke stated, "So I thought the referee was very strong with that decision and it was strong refereeing".
Clarke's selection choices also drew attention, as he opted to leave players like Ben Gannon Doak and Billy Gilmour on the bench. He revealed that he anticipated a "physical" game, which informed his team selection. Center-backs Grant Hanley and John Souttar played key roles in the defense, while Lyndon Dykes and Che Adams led the attack.
Scotland's performance was characterized by strong defense and tactical discipline. While Denmark controlled possession for significant periods, Scotland created several opportunities, with John McGinn, Ryan Christie and Lyndon Dykes coming close to scoring.
Clarke acknowledged the importance of managing the game effectively, particularly after previous experiences in competitions. He highlighted the team's improved ability to see out matches, noting that they appeared more like "a Steve Clarke team". John McGinn emphasized the need to "suffer" at times to secure a positive result, praising the team's effort in maintaining a clean sheet.
Looking ahead, Clarke indicated that he would make changes to the team for the upcoming match against Belarus in Hungary. He acknowledged that several players were still working their way to full fitness after not having consistent starts with their clubs. Despite the challenges, Clarke expressed confidence in the squad's qualities and their determination to qualify for the World Cup. He stressed the importance of keeping their feet on the ground and preparing for the difficult away game against Belarus.
Clarke defended his team selection, asserting that it is his responsibility to make difficult decisions based on the game and the opposition. He commended the defensive performance, singling out Angus Gunn, John Souttar, and Grant Hanley for their contributions.
