Watch best of Scotland's draw in Denmark

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland at Parken Stadium

Stubborn Scotland kicked off their quest for a first World Cup appearance since 1998 with a potentially precious point against Denmark at a raucous Parken Stadium.

The sturdy Scots more than matched the Danes - who overwhelmed them on their last visit four years ago - and could have captured all three points in Copenhagen for the first time since 1975.

Ryan Christie glanced a header wide, while John McGinn missed the target at the back post in a first half which surpassed many expectations.

Scott McTominay danced his way to the goal-line but Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel blocked and Lyndon Dykes dilly-dallied for far too long to squander the most glorious chance of the lot after the break.

Brian Riemer's side had their own near things with long-range efforts but there was not the home onslaught many predicted, until the dying embers when Angus Gunn reacted to Rasmus Hojlund's close-range volley.

Scotland did enjoy some fortune, though.

Substitute Max Johnston avoided a rapid red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity after a long ball forward struck his arm. Referee Daniel Siebert was summoned to the screen to review the incident but stuck with his yellow card call.

It would have been beyond cruel for Steve Clarke's side to be punished in that manner on a night they exuded togetherness, toughness and vigour.

Now they face Belarus in Hungary on Monday - live on the BBC - with the prospect of four points from a possible six well within their grasp.

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Scotland analysis: Clarke proves doubters wrong

A quick glance at social media or the comments from the BBC Sport audience would show the Scotland line-up was met with dismay.

From an unfamilar 4-4-2, to the exclusion of Bournemouth's Ben Gannon-Doak and Napoli's Billy Gilmour, the cries of a 'same old boring Scotland line-up' were clear.

Boring on paper, perhaps, but beyond brawny on the pitch.

Without there being a particular standout - though if it came to it, Aaron Hickey or McGinn would be the answer- the Scots were sturdy and snuffed out the danger from sporadic Danish attacks.

Tight and together, it was the complete opposite of their 15-minute collapse here four years ago.

The first half in particular was as evenly-matched - albeit borderline dull. But Scotland would have bitten off any hand offering that pre-match.

They flew out of the traps to startle the Danes, who struggled to play out of their own half, such was the intensity and energy of Scotland's energetic start.

The chat in the build-up had been about confidence and belief, and Scotland showed both in bundles.

They looked like the Clarke side who got us all believing again, too.

Carry that on against Belarus - where there will be no Tartan Army to thrive off, with the game behind closed doors - and Scotland will already have given themselves a shot at ending their 27-year wait for a return to the top table.

Scotland graphic

What they said

Clarke's post-match assessment as Scotland draw in Denmark

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke: "It's a good start. A very disciplined performance, which we needed it to be.

"Souttar and Hanley at the back were outstanding, but you could go through the whole team. It's only one point, though. We have to keep our feet on the ground.

"I know what I've got in that squad. We can just go game to game and pick up as many points as we can."

Scotland midfielder John McGinn: "The first 15 minutes, we suffered a lot. The effort from everyone was superb and we managed to keep a clean sheet.

"It was about staying in the game. We're managing games better the past couple of years. Tonight looked like a Steve Clarke team.

Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel: "Scotland played well, they defended well. It was probably a fair result in the end.

"We were in no doubt this would be a tough game. In the final third we didn't create enough.

"Scotland were looking for breakaways and set-pieces. We were comfortable at the back, so on reflection it was probably a fair result."

'We looked more like a Steve Clarke team'

What next for these teams?

Scotland travel to Hungary to face Belarus, who are currently not permitted to play in their homeland. That is on Monday at 19:45 BST live on BBC Scotland.

In the other group game, Greece host Denmark at the same time, having skelped Belarus 5-1 in their opener.

Where next?

Player of the match

J. McGinn
7.94
14 M. Damsgaard
5.52
13 R. Kristensen
5.22
19 A. Dreyer
5.10
6 A. Christensen
4.86
5 J. Mæhle
4.86
23 P. Højbjerg
4.82
2 J. Andersen
4.81
20 M. Biereth
4.65
9 R. Højlund
4.58
21 M. Hjulmand
4.57
1 K. Schmeichel
4.55
12 K. Dolberg
4.52
10 A. Grønbæk
4.37
15 V. Froholdt
4.11
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