Scotland captain Andy Robertson paid tribute to former Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota, who died last summer in a road traffic accident.
“I’ve hid it well, but today I’ve been in bits,” the 31-year-old said. “I know the age I’m at, this could be my last chance to go to the World Cup.
“I couldn’t get my mate Diogo Jota out of my head today. We spoke so much about going to the World Cup because he missed the last one with Portugal and I did with Scotland. I know he’ll be smiling over me today.
“I’m so glad it’s ended up this way. This group of boys, this group of staff – it’s the best group I’ve been involved in.
“The manager’s speech before the game was unbelievable. He went through the big moments we’ve had. Qualifying for the Euros – he couldn’t quite remember – we were in Wunderbar. He said ‘let’s make it another one’.
“We were quite emotional. To do it for him, the staff and all our families, it’ll go down as one of the greatest nights of my life.
“That just sums up this squad. Never say die. We just keep going right to the end and one of the craziest games. We put the country through it, but I’m sure it’s worth it. We’re going to the World Cup.
And, addressing BBC Scotland anchor Kelly Cates, Robertson added: “I can’t wait to get back down to Liverpool to have a red wine with yer da.”
