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Scotland's national stadium has witnessed many unforgettable moments over its rich history dating back to 1903. Remember this one to the annals. The Scottish long absence has ended. Steve Clarke, Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay, John McGinn; they will be at the World Cup. Along with them the defender, whose curling strike from outside the box appeared to sealed victory in a five-goal thriller until Kenny McLean delivered an still more breathtaking fourth.

Almost 27 years of heartache, during which Scotland have seen the global tournament from afar, were obliterated as Denmark suffered a loss in injury time. Adult fans in kilts shed tears. The Danish participation in next summer’s jamboree rests on qualifiers. Clarke and a suddenly ecstatic country can start making solid arrangements.

Researchers could write papers on how exactly the team accomplished this. They seemed finished at points, no more recently than the weekend when suffering a loss in Greece. It was almost as if someone, somewhere had decreed the Scots had waited long enough for a return to the World Cup. The actions of Tierney and McLean were remarkable.

The Night Unfolds

The match had reportedly started in difficult circumstances for the home side. John Souttar, who had been due to partner the centre-back in the back line, was hurt in the pregame. His replacement filled in. All problem was forgotten within the opening moments.

This was some of the most amazing goals scored at Hampden in modern history.

Ben Gannon-Doak maneuvered on the right. His lofted pass was expected to be challenging for McTominay to control. He was with his back to the net, to begin with. Instead, he catapulted himself into the sky and landed an scissor kick beyond the grasp of Kasper Schmeichel. This historic venue exploded, not only in appreciation of the opening goal but the unique situation in which it came. Wow.

Game Struggle

The Scottish midfielder was performing like a player inspired. The young winger seemed explosive. The home team's threat was evident in pushing forward with great intensity; Craig Gordon saved from the Danish striker after the opposition striker was sent clean through. The assistant's flag was raised but he may well have survived a second check if needed. As Mikkel Damsgaard flashed a cross across the Scotland goal and the defender blocked well from another attacker, the Scots were in a fight to maintain their advantage.

Gannon-Doak had rattled the Danish team with his quickness. It felt a major blow to Clarke, at that point, as the player overstretched when attempting to stop a cross. He departed the pitch on a medical cart after only the first half.

Højlund soon had the ball in the net but was penalised for a push on Aaron Hickey. By the 30-minute mark, the team were playing far too on the edge, a point highlighted as the defender turned a Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg drive narrowly wide. But they reached the break unscathed. They were even denied of a great opportunity of a second goal, a Danish defender cleverly fouling McGinn, receiving a booking, after the midfielder took advantage of opposition mistakes.

Second Half Excitement

Højlund forced the keeper into a quick, down stop in a minute and a half of the restart. If Scotland were going to qualify, the remainder would feel like the long wait since their last World Cup. Considering Denmark only required a draw, the flow of traffic from the start of the second period felt ominous for the hosts. They were managing – somewhat – in breaking up Danish attacks but promptly handing the possession right back to those in the away kit.

When the tying goal came, it came with the hint of dispute involved.

The official initially noticed nothing wrong with Robertson challenge on the winger on the angle of the penalty area. In fact, it seemed Isaksen dived into the ground. After being advised to check by the VAR, the referee awarded the spot. Højlund drilled into the net. On the overall play, parity was the least Denmark merited but Scotland had cause to be angry about the call.

Final Drama

The only thing exciting encounter lacked was a red card. It came on the 60-minute mark, Kristensen another infraction of the match on a marauding McGinn bringing another caution. Now the coach twisted by introducing the strikers one substitute and Che Adams.

The move was to prove effective. The Danish marking of an inswinging Lewis Ferguson corner was disorganized, letting Shankland to score. The substitute, brought on for his attacking prowess, demonstrated exactly that. The Danish head coach Brian Riemer, however, had cause to be angry at how easy it was.

Scotland had little time to extend their lead. Within moments, Patrick Dorgu placed home after Andreas Christensen laid into his path from close range from goal. On this occasion the defense were overly generous.

Adams directed a shot off target. McGinn bending shot narrowly went past the post. Enter the defender and a moment worthy to win the contest. McLean sealed it: from the midfield, no less.