Thursday’s briefing: Scotland celebrations go on as home nations await draw

Scotland are still celebrating reaching their first World Cup since 1998 while for Wales the dream is still alive.

Arsenal beat Real Madrid in the women’s Champions League but there was disappointment for Manchester United.

Robertson relief at qualification

An emotional Andy Robertson expressed his relief after meeting his own high expectations and responsibilities of leading Scotland back to the World Cup.

After Tuesday’s dramatic 4-2 win over Denmark, Robertson is set to emulate Colin Hendry, Roy Aitken, Graeme Souness, Bruce Rioch, Billy Bremner, Tommy Younger and Willie Cunningham and lead Scotland on the biggest stage.

“It’ll be right up there with the best nights of my life,” the 31-year-old said. “To take this country to the World Cup is the hugest of honours.

“We had the belief, we had that feeling that it was going to be a special night and thankfully we delivered on that, on that promise we made ourselves.

“Now everyone can get excited to go to the World Cup. It’s mad to even say that. My whole generation probably doesn’t really remember it.”

Tierney on top of the world

Kieran Tierney cherished the “surreal” feeling of helping fire Scotland to the World Cup.

The 28-year-old Celtic left-back came off the bench to score a superb curler and swing a dramatic winner-takes-all clash with Denmark Scotland’s way.

“It’s surreal. I’ve never really scored a goal just as important as that,” said Tierney.

“What a feeling it was. For the country, for the fans, for the staff, for everyone, for the team. I think we all deserve that with how hard we work and what we’ve been through these last few years.”

Wilson eyes play-off success

Harry Wilson says Wales are confident of beating anyone at home in the World Cup play-offs.

Wales secured home advantage for their play-off semi-final with an historic 7-1 demolition of North Macedonia in Cardiff on Tuesday.

Thursday’s draw in Zurich will see Wales in pot two and hosting either the Republic of Ireland, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina or Kosovo from the group below at Cardiff City Stadium on March 26.

“Whenever we play at home, we’re confident against anyone,” said Wilson, who scored Wales’ first hat-trick for over four years after being named captain for the night.

“We showed for 20 minutes against Belgium (in October) – a top-10 nation – what we could be like. In the semi-final we’ll have to do it for 90 minutes, but whoever we play in that game we will be confident.”

Russo at double for Gunners

European champions Arsenal came from a goal down to beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the Women’s Champions League.

Scotland international Caroline Weir volleyed the visitors into the lead at half-time but Alessio Russo scored twice to give the Gunners a second win from their four matches.

Manchester United fell to their first Champions League defeat after being beaten 5-2 by Wolfsburg.

United’s Fridolina Rolfo struck against her old club, but two goals from Ella Peddemors sent Wolfsburg ahead and a chaotic end to the first-half saw Lineth Beerensteyn score before Melvine Malard immediately responded.

Beerensteyn added a fourth after the break and Vivien Endemann struck at the death to end United’s three-game winning run.

What’s on today?

A huge night for Chelsea as they host Barcelona in the Champions League. Kick-off is at 8pm.

The draw for the World Cup play-offs is at 12pm, with Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland all waiting to see who they will face.