Craig Gordon, the veteran Scotland goalkeeper, has declared that reaching his first World Cup at the age of 42 makes "everything worth it". His journey to the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States has been filled with challenges and triumphs, making this achievement all the more meaningful.
Gordon's career has spanned over two decades, making his debut for Scotland in 2004 in a 4-1 victory against Trinidad and Tobago. He has represented his country 81 times. Despite his vast experience, a World Cup appearance had eluded him until now. He was part of the squad at Euro 2020 but did not play and also failed to make the plane for Euro 2024.
The Hearts goalkeeper revealed that he considered retiring at the end of last season. However, Scotland manager Steve Clarke convinced him to continue playing, suggesting that he might still be needed. This proved to be a crucial intervention, as Gordon was called back into the squad for the crucial World Cup qualifying matches against Greece and Denmark.
In a dramatic turn of events, Gordon found himself back in the starting lineup and won his 82nd cap in the 3-2 defeat by Greece. This appearance made him the oldest European to play in a World Cup qualifier, surpassing a record previously held by Sir Stanley Matthews.
The decisive match against Denmark saw Scotland secure their place at the World Cup with a thrilling 4-2 victory. After the match, an emotional Gordon spoke to BBC Scotland, struggling to put his feelings into words. "It's emotional to think about," he said. "It's been a long time coming: 20-odd years in this camp. Trying to get there, some failure along the way, some bad nights out there".
Scotland took an early lead in the game against Denmark, but the Danes fought back, leveling the score twice. However, Scotland's determination shone through as they scored two late goals to seal the win. "What a crazy night," Gordon exclaimed.
Reflecting on his career and the sacrifices he has made, Gordon emphasized the significance of this achievement. "I could have given all that up for that one moment there tonight," he said. "That is worth everything, all the disappointments, all the hard work. All the years that I've been trying – 700 or 800 games, whatever it is. That was worth it for that one moment".
Gordon's journey is a testament to his resilience and dedication. He has battled back from severe injuries and maintained his passion for the game. His return to the Scotland squad marks a remarkable comeback for the veteran goalkeeper. Despite not playing regularly for Hearts this season, his experience and leadership have proven invaluable to the national team.
As Scotland prepares for the 2026 World Cup, Craig Gordon's story serves as an inspiration. His perseverance and commitment to the sport demonstrate that age is no barrier to achieving one's dreams. At 43 by the time the tournament kicks off, Gordon is set to become one of the oldest players to ever participate in a World Cup, a fitting reward for a career defined by dedication and unwavering spirit.
