John McGinn reacts to Scotland reaching World Cup: ‘We were rubbish but who cares?’

Adam Clery Football Column. A newsletter that unpacks the absurdities and oddities of the beautiful gameThe ACFC newsletter: unpacking football’s absurditiesUnpack football’s oddities with the ACFC newsletterJohn McGinn asserted that Scotland were “rubbish” but couldn’t care less as his country sealed their first World Cup appearance in 28 years with a dramatic 4-2 win over Denmark.Few would argue with McGinn’s assessment on a night when all that mattered for Scotland and the Tartan Army was the three points that meant they pipped Denmark to first place in Group C and automatic qualification for next year’s 48-nation showpiece.For much of the game Denmark were superior, even when they were reduced to 10 men, yet Scotland produced three goals of exceptional quality on a night that will become part of the fabled folklore of Scottish football.Scott McTominay’s third-minute overhead kick was good enough to win any game but was ultimately just a blur as Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean struck in stoppage time, Tierney with a sublime left-footer and McLean a stunner from the halfway line.open image in galleryJohn McGinn celebrating after Scotland sealed their World Cup spot (Jane Barlow/PA Wire)”I thought we were pretty rubbish to be honest, but who cares?” McGinn, speaking to BBC Scotland, said that his team was “pretty rubbish” but “who cares?” “It was an incredible feeling to get the job done. The team talk by the gaffer was outstanding.”Denmark appeared more confident, but as a Scotland squad we have had a great deal of trauma and many hits. The feeling of getting over the finish line tonight was amazing.”It was absolutely terrible. You think this is it, another glorious blow. In the 91st, I was thinking of the playoffs. What a great hit by KT – it will be the last time I feel that way in a football arena.”Amid scenes of delirium, McGinn’s post-match interview was cut short as the midfielder was called on for a routine post-match drugs test.”Random drug test, always me!” Reuters contributed additional reporting. He laughed.
2025-11-19 00:07:38