### Scotland's Emotional Journey to World Cup Qualification: A Tribute to Diogo Jota - On November 19, 2025, Scotland secured a historic qualification for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998 by defeating Denmark 4-2 in a dramatic playoff match. The victory was particularly poignant for team captain Andy Robertson, who was deeply affected by the memory of his late Liverpool teammate, Diogo Jota. Robertson expressed that he was "in bits" during the match, reflecting on their shared dream of playing in the World Cup together [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/robertson-remembers-liverpool-teammate-jota-after-scotland-qualify-world-cup-5476381]. ### Breakdown of Key Events and Emotions Surrounding the Qualification 1. **Match Overview**: - Scotland triumphed over Denmark with a score of 4-2, thanks to goals from Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland, Kieran Tierney, and Kenny McLean [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-15303907/Andy-Robertson-tears-Diogo-Jota-Scotland-World-Cup.html]. 2. **Robertson's Emotional State**: - Andy Robertson was overwhelmed with emotion during the match, frequently thinking about Diogo Jota, who had passed away. He dedicated the victory to Jota, stating, "I know he'll be smiling over me today" [https://www.republicworld.com/sports/football/i-know-he-ll-be-smiling-over-me-today-andy-robertson-makes-heartbreaking-confession-post-scotlands-world-cup-qualification]. 3. **Tributes and Reflections**: - Post-match, Robertson paid a heartfelt tribute to Jota, emphasizing the bond they shared and how it motivated him during the game. He described the moment as a mix of joy for the team's achievement and sorrow for the loss of his friend [https://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/andy-robertson-pays-moving-tribute-to-diogo-jota-as-scotland-book-world-cup-spot-2-1831223.html]. ### Supporting Evidence of Scotland's Historic Qualification - **Match Statistics**: - Scotland's goals were scored by: - Scott McTominay - Lawrence Shankland - Kieran Tierney - Kenny McLean - The match concluded with a score of 4-2, marking a significant achievement for the Scottish national team [https://www.givemesport.com/scotland-denmark-andy-robertson-tribute-late-liverpool-star-diogo-jota]. ### Conclusion: A Historic Moment Marked by Personal Loss 1. **Historic Qualification**: Scotland's qualification for the World Cup is a monumental achievement, ending a 28-year absence from the tournament. 2. **Emotional Tribute**: Andy Robertson's heartfelt tribute to Diogo Jota highlights the personal impact of this victory, intertwining professional success with personal grief. 3. **Legacy of Friendship**: The match served as a reminder of the bonds formed in sports, as Robertson dedicated the win to his late friend, ensuring that Jota's memory will live on in the hearts of his teammates and fans alike [https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/andy-robertson-makes-emotional-diogo-32899230].