CHAMPIONS League winner Andy Robertson came close to being emotionally overwhelmed following Scotland’s 5-4 penalty-kick shoot-out triumph against Serbia last night.
The international skipper saw his side surge through to their first major tournament finals in 22 years after the 1-1 extra-time stalemate in Belgrade where keeper David Marshall was the hero with a marvellous save from Aleksander Mitrovic.
Leigh Griffiths, who came on as a late substitute and netted a spot-kick with practically his first kick of the ball, scored the first while Celtic team-mate Callum McGregor claimed the second. Scott McTominay, Oli McBurnie and Kenny McLean slotted their efforts away in rapid succession before it went to the wire and the former Hoops netminder did the needful.
Liverpool defender Robertson, speaking to Sky Sports News, said: “There was so much emotion going into the game and then you get so close and they end up equalising.
“You have to pick yourself up for extra-time, which we did. When you get to penalties, you always back Marshy and it’s just whether the lads can hold their nerve, and they managed to do it.
“We’ve come so far with this squad and I back every one of them as they’ve come through a lot of criticism and a lot of negativity at times.
“We’ve stuck together and battled through it. I really hope everyone back home can see the positive side to this as we’re absolutely delighted. I really hope that during a really tough time, we’ve managed to put a smile on a lot of faces.
“It’s the most emotional I’ve been after a game, but we can look forward to next summer now.”
Scotland’s reward is a place in Group D alongside England, Croatia and Czech Republic. The Scots will kick off their tournament with a match against the Cezch Republic at Hampden on June 14 before heading for Wembley four days later.
Then it’s Croatia in Glasgow on June 22 – and after that anything is possible!
HERO MARSHALL ENDS 22-YEAR WAIT
