SM
Thursday, March 28
Upcoming predictions and previews
Collect News Data
DN
World Cup Qualifying - Europe | Group Stage
Sep 1, 2021 at 7.45pm UK
 
SN

Denmark
2 - 0
Scotland

Wass (14'), Maehle (15')
FT(HT: 2-0)

Scotland boss Steve Clarke blames team shape for defeat to Denmark

:Headline: Scotland boss Steve Clarke blames team shape for defeat to Denmark:
Daniel Wass and Joakim Maehle struck for the Danes in the first half.
Sports Mole

Steve Clarke insists team shape rather than personnel was behind Scotland's dismal first-half performance in the 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat by Denmark in Copenhagen.

With right-sided defenders Stephen O'Donnell and Nathan Patterson unable to make the trip for Covid-19 reasons, Clarke sprung a surprise by moving his captain Andy Robertson to right wing-back with Kieran Tierney on the left.

Two goals in 15 minutes from Daniel Wass and Joakim Maehle had the Scots on the ropes and they struggled for the rest of the half.

Clarke brought on striker Lyndon Dykes for centre-back Scott McKenna, moved Ryan Fraser back to right wing-back, returned Robertson to his natural left-sided position with Tierney moving into the back three and Scotland looked more stable but by then it was too late.

The Scotland boss, who insisted his side are "still in the group" despite having only five points from 12, said: "It wasn't an experiment, it was something that I was forced into doing in a way.

"I could have made other options but I felt that was the best way to start the game, experienced players on the pitch. I don't think it was so much the personnel, it was the shape of the team.

"We allowed Denmark to pin us back, we made the pitch too long and the midfield couldn't get close to the opposition midfield, we couldn't get a handle on the game and I think it came more from team shape than personnel.

"It was a difficult first half for us, the Danish team started really well with good intensity, power and pace.

Scotland were 2-0 down inside 15 minutes (Claus Bech/PA)

"We had to weather the storm and we couldn't do that, we conceded two goals in quick succession which made it a long night for us.

"From 30 minutes in we started to get a foothold in the game but the game was a little bit beyond our reach at 2-0 down, it was always going to be a tough night after that.

"But I think we showed some signs towards the end of the half that we could get the ball down and we could play.

"We had to be braver on the ball under pressure and I think we were in the second half, the shape was better, we played five yards further up the pitch which allowed everyone to be more connected and it was a better second-half performance."

“I could have made other options but I felt that was the best way to start the game, experienced players on the pitch. I don't think it was so much the personnel, it was the shape of the team”
- Steve Clarke

Liverpool left-back Robertson insisted that he simply answered the call of duty.

He said: "The gaffer asked me and I said, 'yes, no problem'. We were obviously short at right-back so the options were limited.

"The gaffer spoke to me and I didn't hesitate and I will never hesitate, as long as I am playing for my country then I am happy.

"Of course I think you have seen in the second half I was a wee bit more comfortable on the left, that's natural but on the right I gave it my best shot, I tried my best but unfortunately in the first half none of us were quite good enough.

"We took too long to settle into the game, me included, and we were all a bit too deep. It is what it is. Right wing-back was new to me but I will never shy away from it."

body check tags ::

amp_article__461925 : Collect and Make Data not in DataBase  : 
last updated article - 2021-09-01 22:59:04:
html db last update - 2021-09-01 22:57:21 :

ex - 7200 : read : write cache and make html
Read more!

Click here for more stories about Steve Clarke

Click here for more stories about Denmark

Share this article now:


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!
Recommended Next on SM
Wednesday's World Cup qualifying predictions including Portugal vs. Ireland
Real Madrid 'priced out of move for Liverpool's Alexander-Arnold'
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

history www

Barcelona could be missing seven players for Las Palmas clash

1

BC

Man Utd could raise £105m through player sales this summer

2

MU

Preview: AZ vs. Vitesse - prediction, team news, lineups

NEW

3

PA

Arsenal 'optimistic over triple injury boost for Man City clash'

4

A'

Preview: Barcelona vs. Las Palmas - prediction, team news, lineups

5

PB

How Barcelona could line up against Las Palmas

6

HB

How Chelsea could line up against Burnley

7

HC

Record-breaking Arsenal teenager signs first professional contract

8

RA

Man United 'draw up transfer plan for 18-year-old defender'

9

MU

Preview: Chelsea vs. Burnley - prediction, team news, lineups

10

PC


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .