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A long wait is over for Andy Robertson and the Scotland national team, with a nail-biting penalty shootout win over Serbia confirming that they will participate in Euro 2020 next summer. It marks the first time that Scotland have qualified for a major international tournament since the 1998 World Cup in the France, a barren period of 23 years.
Scotland’s Ryan Christie put his side ahead with a 52nd minute strike, before Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic equalized for Serbia in the 90th minute to force a penalty shootout.
Goalkeeper David Marshall ended the day as the hero however, saving Aleksandar Mitrovic’s shot on the decisive penalty kick.
1998 - The Scotland men's team have qualified for their first major international tournament since reaching the 1998 World Cup in France. Patience. #SERSCO
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 12, 2020
Scotland captain and Liverpool star, Andy Robertson was emotional following the match, admitting that he had originally been on the list to take a penalty:
“I think I was next, but my hamstring had seized,” Robertson told Sky Sports post-match.
“When it goes to penalties you always back [David Marshall]. We’ve come so far as a squad and I’m proud of everyone. They’ve been through a lot—a lot of criticism, a lot of negativity. Really hope everyone back home can see the positive side of this.
“It’s just an amazing night. It’s been a horrible year for everyone and we knew we could give something back to the country,” the 26-year-old continued.
“I can’t wait for summer [for the Euro 2020]. It’s the most emotional I’ve been after the game.”
"I don't even want to think about it because I'll probably cry"
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) November 12, 2020
Andy Robertson's reaction to Scotland's qualification ❤️ pic.twitter.com/jlN1Hs48DG
While it is surely a great night for the country of Scotland, Liverpool supporters will be worried about the first choice left back’s injury complaint. The Reds, already missing Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Trent-Alexander Arnold to long-term injury can ill afford to lose any more defenders.
Scotland has two more remaining Nations League fixtures against Slovakia and Israel over the next six days.