Ally McCoist has revealed he was left without a voice after Scotland sealed World Cup qualification with a remarkable 4-2 victory over Denmark at Hampden Park, a night that will go down as one of the most raucous in recent Scottish football history.
While supporters across the country poured into bars, living rooms and stadium concourses to toast the result with pints held aloft, the former Rangers striker was celebrating thousands of miles away in Las Vegas with nothing stronger than a Diet Coke.
The match itself will be remembered not only for its scoreline but for its emotional weight.
With tension hanging over Hampden like fog on the Clyde, Scotland needed a performance that matched the moment – and delivered one of the most complete displays of Steve Clarke’s tenure.
Scott McTominay, who has developed a habit of scoring on huge occasions, began the frenzy.
Lawrence Shankland added to the eruption after a penalty from Rasmus Hojlund, thundering home with the ruthless finish of a striker who has waited too long for his stage. Kieran Tierney then made it three, before Kenny McLean capped the night in front of an exultant crowd now certain of qualification with a stunning goal from the halfway line.
The final whistle confirmed Scotland will be joining the world’s elite at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Ally McCoist has revealed he was left without a voice after Scotland sealed World Cup qualification with a remarkable 4-2 victory over Denmark at Hampden Park, a night that will go down as one of the most raucous in recent Scottish football history
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INSTAGRAM/REUTERS
Not since France 98 have the Tartan Army been part of football’s biggest tournament, and for many fans, the night felt like a generation’s worth of frustration dissolving into song.
McCoist, one of the nation’s most beloved voices in football, stayed up through the night in Nevada.
The 63-year-old posted an emotional message on Instagram, having lost his voice amid the chaos.
“Man alive, man alive. My voice is gone,” he croaked, beaming at the camera.
“I’m absolutely buzzing, with a capital B! Buzzing, capital B!”
What made his hoarse enthusiasm even more amusing to fans was his revelation that he had celebrated on nothing heavier than fizzy drinks due to his sore throat.
“Aw man, I’m on the Diet Coke, my voice is gone,” he said, laughing at his own state.
His tribute to Clarke’s side was heartfelt.
Scotland have now qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998 | REUTERS
“Unbelievable lads, unbelievable. What a finish that was. I just can’t believe it. I was watching it up there. It’s remarkable, absolutely remarkable. I’m so happy man, just so happy,” he added.
As Scotland prepare to rejoin the global stage nearly three decades after their last appearance, it’ll be intriguing to see how they fare.
Clarke’s men struggles at Euro 2024, failing to get out of the group stages.
With monentum in their sails, however, they’ll fancy their chances of improving on that showing.
