Denmark handed Scotland a vital World Cup qualification lifeline, setting up a blockbuster final showdown in Glasgow

Celtic goalkeeperKasper Schmeichel has criticised his Denmark teammates for showing complacency against Belarus, in what was a hugely disappointing 2-2 draw for the team in Copenhagen.

It’s a result which very few saw coming in the run-up to the game. Denmark entered the fixture in pole position to secure automatic World Cup qualification with a game to spare after winning three and drawing their opening four qualifiers.

The Danes, who have qualified for the last two World Cups while also reaching the semi-final of Euro 2020, had beaten Belarus 6-0 in the reverse fixture in Hungary in a match that was played behind closed doors.

They are ranked 20th in the FIFA rankings while their opponent, who were winless and pointless before the game was played, have a ranking of 103.

Denmark slip-up hands Scotland vital lifeline

Denmark blew the chance to secure automatic World Cup qualification in an evening where they could have had the whole thing wrapped up with Scotland losing 3-2 to Greece.

Kasper Schmeichelwas left infuriated with his side’s performance during the 2-2 draw. He said, via Glasgow Times: "I say it all the time - you should never expect to win a football match, because there are no easy matches.

"It is not easy to win games at this level and you should not underestimate your opponent. We had beaten Belarus 6-0 last month and before the game, I said in the dressing room that we shouldn't think it would be easy."

The 39-year-old explained that the coach journey home would be the time to reflect on what went wrong against Belarus but added that the moment that journey is finished, attention must turn to a pivotal test against Scotland which could completely swing the direction of this year’s qualification battle.

He said: “We have to move on, because there is a huge game waiting for us on Tuesday."

Ex-Man Utd man says Denmark have to put things right

Former Manchester United and Inter Milan playmaker Christian Eriksen also shared the sentiment that Denmark have plenty of work to do.

The 147-time international told reporters: "We now have to put this right on Tuesday. We controlled most of the game and didn't give them any chances to score.They had two chances and took them both. We should have scored many more goals though. We know that."

Scotland's hopes of qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in 28 years rest on their ability to beat Denmark in Glasgow. Steve Clarke is hailed for leading the nation to two European Championships and is hoping to become Craig Brown to lead the Tartan Army to a tournament on football’s biggest stage.