Jens Berthel Askou will be cheering Scotland on at next summer’s World Cup, despite the fact they beat his own nation to the automatic qualification spot.
The Motherwell boss, who is from Denmark, was inside Hampden on Tuesday night to witness a dramatic night as the national team clinched their place in North America with a 4-2 win over the Danes, thanks to two spectacular injury-time strikes.
And even though that win consigned his fellow countryman to a play-off spot, he insists it was a great experience to witness the celebrations and is now looking forward to see how Scotland perform at the tournament being held across the USA, Canada, and Mexico in 2026.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Askou said: “It was a great experience to feel the enthusiasm and the joy inside the stadium, and I am really happy on Scotland’s behalf, and for everyone here who is passionate about the national team.
“There is a lot of people here who are, so I am really happy for them. Scotland did really well to qualify, they were really good in some decisive moments.
“That’s what football is all about, and we (Denmark) didn’t deserve to qualify that way after the last couple of games, so we will have to go the long way.
“Qualifying means a lot to everyone, it has been a while since you were there, some of the players in our squad weren’t even born the last time Scotland were at a World Cup, so they don’t have any memories of it, but they will get that now, which is great for a footballing nation.
“It is going to be exciting to follow next summer.
“Of course I hope they do really well, and I hope it is a great experience. They haven’t been that successful in the World Cup, but they have some really talented players.
“Motherwell also had the pleasure of helping to produce one who has played a part, and we hope he will become more involved and become an important player for the national team and be an important player next summer.
“So obviously we will support them and I looking forward to seeing how they do.”
Askou is preparing his side for a trip to Rugby Park this weekend as the Scottish Premiership returns to action following the international break.
The Steelmen could potentially jump up to third in the table if they take all three points from Ayrshire on Saturday.
Follow STV News on WhatsApp
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
