Robertson Ties Dalglish's Scotland Record as McGinn Scores Twice

Andy Robertson won his 102nd cap for Scotland on Friday, drawing level with Kenny Dalglish on the national team's all-time list. A cap is one appearance for your country, and Robertson's arrived in a Nations League match against North Macedonia. The Nations League is the competition between European countries that fills the gaps between major tournaments.

Robertson captained the side, and he was one of several familiar faces in the starting line-up. Kieran Tierney, Scott McTominay and Ché Adams all began the game. Dalglish is one of the most celebrated players in Scottish football history, so sharing his number is a landmark for the left-back, as The Guardian reported in its match report.

The night belonged in large part to John McGinn. The midfielder scored twice for Scotland, and the second came from the penalty spot. A penalty is a free shot at goal from 12 yards, awarded for a foul inside the box. McGinn stepped up and kept his nerve, a moment that will stay with the Scotland fans in the stadium.

North Macedonia arrived with a stubborn problem. They had not scored in their previous eight matches, so the home side and the visitors were both trying to find the net. Scotland's scoring pair made the difference in the end, and McGinn's brace was the story that the travelling supporters will remember.

This was the first major test for Sébastien Pocognoli as Scotland manager. He took over from Steve Clarke, who led the team for years and became a beloved figure in Scottish football. A new manager usually wants early results, and Pocognoli will hope the performance gives him a platform. Scotland are scheduled to face Switzerland on the Monday after this match, so there is little time to dwell on the result.

For Robertson, the milestone is also a reminder of how long he has worn the shirt. Plenty of players reach 100 caps, but fewer stay that long at the top of the game. Matching Dalglish's total means the left-back now sits alongside one of Scotland's most famous names.