Why Scotland hero David Marshall didn’t immediately celebrate Euro 2020 qualification after saving from Aleksandar Mitrovic

David Marshall was Scotland’s hero as he saved a decisive Aleksandar Mitrovic penalty in a dramatic shootout win to take his country to Euro 2020.

The Scots ended 22 years of hurt and qualified for a major tournament in dramatic style, with a 5-4 victory on penalties after the game finished 1-1.

After perfect penalties from Leigh Griffiths, Callum McGregor, Scott McTominay, Oli McBurnie and Kenny McLean, Mitrovic had to score to keep Serbia’s hopes alive in the European qualifying play-off final clash.

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Marshall heroically denied Mitrovic

However, Marshall superbly denied the Fulham striker to ensure qualification for Scotland.

Marshall did not celebrate immediately, though, because the Derby goalkeeper was checking with referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz, who was waiting on VAR, to find out whether he had stepped off his line.

He hadn’t and then proceeded to celebrate with his teammates.

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Marshall did not want to prematurely celebrate

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Marshall’s doubt turned into joy when he found out his penalty save stood

Ryan Christie’s 52nd-minute goal was cancelled out by Luka Jovic’s injury-time equaliser.

But it was in vain as Marshall stood tall in the penalty shootout.

In the midst of the celebrations, Marshall made it clear he had no time for an interview!

He told Sky Sports: “It was never going to be easy. We had to see it through for three or four minutes at the end.

“To come back the way we did… the first hour of the game we were completely dominant.

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Marshall was rushed by his Scotland teammates

“The second goal was just not coming, so I’m just lost for words with how well the lads handled that pressure when they got the equaliser.”

He concluded: “I don’t know how we did it, we deserved it after the first-half, especially. I’m just so happy. I don’t even want to be here, to be honest!”