After Scotland defeated Denmark 4-2 to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Scotland captain Andrew Robertson admitted that he could not stop missing his good friend and former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident this summer.

This victory brought Scotland back to the World Cup stage for the first time since 1998, with goals from Scott McTominay, Laurence Shankland, Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean.

For 31-year-old Robertson, the elation of advancing was accompanied by deep sorrow. He revealed that he couldn't shake off Jota's image from morning till night. In a post-match interview, Robertson said, "I think I hid it well, but I was devastated all day."

“I know that at my age, this is probably my last chance to play in the World Cup, and I think about Diogo all the time. He missed the 2022 Qatar World Cup due to injury, while I have never qualified. We have talked many times about what it would feel like to play in the World Cup in the future.”

The tragic loss of Jota and his brother in a car accident in July dealt a heavy blow to Robertson. He said he was emotionally distressed in his room before the game, but ultimately led the team to a historic victory as captain.

Robertson has won two Premier League titles, one Champions League title, and numerous domestic cup competitions since joining Liverpool in 2017, boasting a stellar career. However, he admitted that none of these achievements can compare to the glory he received with his national team that night.

“This team, this staff, is the best team I’ve ever been with. Coach Clark told us before the game that we’ve created many memories in the past, and now it’s our turn to create another one. We were all very moved at that moment. It was one of the greatest nights of my life,” Robertson added.