Diogo Jota (left) and Scotland captain Andy Robertson played alongside each other.
Scotland captain Andy Robertson had admitted that he "couldn't get my mate Diogo Jota out of my head" before the team's victory over Denmark which secured World Cup qualification for the first time in 27 years.
The footballer, 31, said he was overcome with emotion thinking about his late Liverpool FC teammate, who was killed in a car crash in Spain in summer 2025.
The pressure of seizing his last chance to play at the World Cup had Robertson in turmoil in the hours leading up to kick-off as he recalled conversations with former Portugal forward Jota.
Andy Robertson played alongside the late Diogo Jota. Credit: PA Images
“I just go back to the Qatar World Cup when we were on a training camp in Dubai," he said. "Obviously Jots missed it through injury. I missed it due to missing out in the play-offs.
“We always discussed how it would feel playing in a World Cup for your country. Obviously it’s probably a bit more likely that it was going to happen for him in terms of Portugal than Scotland.
“As soon as I woke up I just couldn’t get him out of my head. I couldn’t get him out of my head all day. I think I hid it well from the lads probably, but being in the room, all I could think about was him.
“I know he’ll be smiling down now. I know he’ll have a smile on his face wherever he is.
“Hopefully he’ll have a smile in the summer when I hopefully get to represent my country at the World Cup.”
Scotland have booked their World Cup spot after a 4-2 win against Denmark. Credit: PA Images
But Scotland clinched a 4-2 win, booking their spot in the tournament in North America next summer, with goals from Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland, Kieran Tierney and a halfway line finisher from Kenny McLean.
“That just sums up this squad. Never say die, we just keep going right to the end,” the Scotland captain told the BBC.
“One of the craziest games of football. We’ve certainly put the country through it, but I’m sure it’s worth it – we’re going to the World Cup and I can’t believe it.
“This group of boys and staff, it’s the best group I’ve ever been involved in. The manager’s speech before the game in the hotel was unbelievable.
“He went through the big moment’s we’ve had. He said, ‘Let’s make it another one’. To do it for him, for all the staff, all the families, it is one of the greatest nights of my life.”
Fans celebrate Scotland's win for their spot in the World Cup. Credit: PA Images
Scotland's dramatic result means that there is still a possibility that all four home nations will be crossing the Atlantic for the tournament in July 2026.
England have already qualified after topping Group K.
Wales secured a spot in the plays-off after beating crushing North Macedonia 7-1 in Cardiff on Tuesday.
Northern Ireland still have a chance to qualify in the play-off rounds, having failed to qualify directly.
Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...