Article by Mihai Șovei – Published Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 12:55 / Updated Wednesday, November 19, 2025 12:56
Tuesday night's match in Glasgow was among the most thrilling matches of the national teams this year. Scotland beat Denmark 4-2 to qualify for the World Cup. A spectacular goal after only three minutes scored by Scott McTominayscoring upsets and an eruption of joy after 28 years of waiting marked the match at Hampden Park. However, behind this triumph there was also a personal story, an inner struggle of captain Andy Robertson (31 years old).
The Scot spoke about Diogo Jota, his former Liverpool team-mate who tragically passed away this year, but also about his father who he hopes “will be happy with him”.
Andy Robertson, emotional after qualifying for the World Cup
There were moments of joy in Glasgow on Tuesday night. Scotland beat Denmark 4-2 to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1998. In the post-match interview, the Scotland captain was visibly emotional. He talked about how difficult it was after the death of Diogo Jota, but also about the fact that he made his father proud. The Liverpool player said he was devastated after the Portuguese's death.
“He was my best friend. My man. I loved him and miss him every moment. He was so normal, down to earth, full of love and warmth. I always joked that he was as good at heart as an Irishman or a Scotsman, not a Portuguese… I called him Diogo MacJota. Jota missed Qatar due to injury and I watched the tournament from home because Scotland didn't qualify. We were constantly talking about the fact that we have to go to the next World Cup. Who knows what shape we will be in 2030. Not a day has passed without mentioning this topic. For both of us, the biggest dream was to play in the World Cup,” said Andy Robertson to the BBC.
Diogo Jota, the Portuguese footballer and Robertson's Liverpool team-mate, tragically lost his life in a road accident this summer, alongside his brother Andre Silva. In Liverpool's dressing room, the sadness lingers.
He finally revealed that he hoped Jota was proud of him for fulfilling his dream, and only then did a smile appear on his face, though his voice was shaking and his eyes filled with tears as he spoke of his friend. At the end, the defender mentioned that he is looking forward to having a glass of wine with his father who he hopes has made him proud.
I thought I hid how much Jota's departure affected me for the past few months, but today I was devastated. I couldn't get him out of my mind. All day, all game… just him. I kept thinking about our discussions about the World Cup. This could have been my last chance to go to the World Championship. I know he's watching from somewhere right now and laughing at me for fulfilling my biggest dream.
I wanted to be strong in front of my teammates, but inside…I was torn. I'm glad it all ended this way.
I can't wait to get back to Liverpool and have a glass of wine with my dad. I think he will finally be satisfied with something I have done in life.
– Andy Robertson, Scotland captain
