John McGinn impressed while playing against Denmark on international dutyplaceholder image
John McGinn impressed while playing against Denmark on international duty | Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Ima
Scotland are hoping to qualify for their first World Cup since 1998
John McGinn’s Scotland began their World Cup qualifying adventure with a commendable 0-0 draw away in Copenhagen against a much-fancied Denmark team.
Scotland were huge underdogs heading into the clash but put in a dogged and disciplined display away from home to ensure the likes of Mika Biereth, Mikkel Damsgaard, Rasmus Hoijlund and co were all kept at bay throughout the 90 minute contest at the Parken Stadion.
Steve Clarke’s side set up with 4-5-1 formation and intriguingly opted to play John McGinn in the right-wing position as opposed to his preferred role out in the centre or on the left hand side.
John McGinn earns huge praise in defiant Scotland draw
John McGinn played the full game for Scotland as they started their qualification journey with a useful point against Denmark.
The Scotsman’s writer Mark Atkinson was full of praise for the 30-year-old’s workman like performance on his 77th cap for the Tartan Army. Atkinson wrote: “Stationed in a fairly unfamiliar right-wing position, McGinn's main powers of strength and determination were not diminished.
“Drew an early yellow card from Denmark captain Hojbjerg and had a presentable chance at the back post from a 19th-minute corner. Saw an early second-half effort crucially blocked by Maehle. Never, ever stopped going.”
He awarded the Aston Villa veteran a 8/10 rating for his performance, which was the joint highest of any midfielder in the team on the night, with Lewis Ferguson also earning an 8 rating. Scotland take on Belarus in their next fixture on Monday. The White Wings were hammered 5-1 by Greece in their opener and are seen as opponents that Steve Clarke’s men must beat to have a strong chance of qualification for the first time since 1998.
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For Ivory Coast, Evann Guessand was an unused substitute as the Elephants secured a 1-0 World Cup Qualifying win over Burundi. His nation are top of the group with six wins and a draw from seven matches so far but face competition from Gabon, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang typically leading the line for them.
Elsewhere, experienced left-back Lucas Digne played the full 90 minutes for France as they earned a routine 2-0 win over Ukraine in Poland. They face Iceland in their next encounter on Tuesday.
Earlier in the day, there was also a Scotland Under-21s debut for Aidan Borland, who started and played 45 minutes as Scot Gemmill’s side fell to a 2-0 defeat away to Czechia.
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