Cocky Denmark star sees Belarus putdown backfire as Scotland’s rivals leave their ‘ass in a high position’
Gustav Isaksen spared the Danes’ blushes even more with a late equaliser as World Cup warning could yet come trye
11:26, 16 Nov 2025
Denmark’s forward Gustav Isaksen reacts during the 2-2 draw with Belarus
Cocky Denmark star Gustav Isaksen saw his pre-match comments come back to bite him after blowing their first chance at World Cup qualification against Belarus.
While Scotland were 3-0 down in Greece, it looked as though the Danes were going to render Tuesday’s final qualifier at Hampden a dead rubber as they went 1-0 up.
But a stunning turnaround from the European pariahs – coupled with a fightback from Steve Clarke’s side that just fell short – saw them lead 2-1 with just over ten minutes left.
It took an equaliser from Isaksen to ensure the Danes at least drew the game, although the result in Athens meant victory would have sealed their place at next summer’s Finals.
Before the game, Isakasen had dismissed the Group C whipping boys, who had given Scotland a scare in Glasgow last month, saying: “If you can’t beat Belarus, you have nothing to do at the World Cup.”
Naturally, he was reminded about that after a seething Parken Stadion made their feelings clear following the 2-2 draw. “Yes, yes, you put your ass in a high position before the match. But that was the feeling I had before.”
Jannik Vestergaard and Morten Hjulmand ) look on
The Lazio winger, who was previously linked with Celtic, then decided to double down: “With the team we had today, we should have crushed them. We should have followed up on the 1-0 goal and scored two or three more goals in the first half.”
And just as Clarke admitted the Scots had enjoyed a slice of luck, Isaksen was grateful that the Danes remain the driving seat and can make up for their Saturday night stumble.
He added: “We’re lucky that we still have a chance. And it’s great that we’re not out yet. Even though it’s going to be a tough game against Scotland, we’re still in a good position to pay back Denmark.”
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