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Scotland's national stadium has hosted numerous unforgettable occasions over its rich history since 1903. Remember this one to the annals. The Scottish long drought has ended. Steve Clarke, Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay, John McGinn; they will be at the World Cup. So too Kieran Tierney, whose curling shot from distance appeared to clinched success by the odd goal in five before the substitute delivered an more spectacular final goal.

Nearly three decades of disappointment, during which the Scottish men's team have observed the World Cup from a distance, were wiped away as the Danish team fell to a loss in injury time. Supporters in traditional dress shed tears. The Danish chance in the upcoming jamboree rests on qualifiers. Clarke and a suddenly jubilant country can begin planning solid plans.

Researchers could produce work on the manner in which Scotland accomplished this. They looked defeated at moments, as recently as the weekend when suffering a loss in Greece. It was almost as if destiny had predetermined the Scottish team had waited long enough for a return to the World Cup. The interventions of Tierney and the midfielder were incredible.

The Match Unfolds

The night had reportedly started in challenging circumstances for the home side. John Souttar, who had been set to play alongside the centre-back in central defence, was hurt in the warm-up. His replacement stepped in. All setback was dispelled in the first few minutes.

It was among the most spectacular finishes scored at Hampden in living memory.

Ben Gannon-Doak dribbled and dodged on the right. His lofted delivery was expected to be challenging for the midfielder to navigate. He was with his back to the net, initially. Rather, he launched himself into the sky and landed an bicycle kick past the reach of the goalkeeper. This historic stadium roared, not just in recognition of the first goal but the remarkable situation in which it came. Amazing.

Game Struggle

McTominay was playing like a player inspired. The young winger looked electric. The home team's offense shone in attacking aggressively; the goalkeeper saved from Rasmus Højlund after the Denmark forward was in alone. The offside flag was up but he could have been onside a VAR review if it had been necessary. As Mikkel Damsgaard sent a cross across the Scotland goal and the defender deflected well from Victor Froholdt, the home side were in a contest to maintain their lead.

Gannon-Doak had panicked the Danish team with his speed. It felt a big setback to Clarke, at that point, as the player overstretched when attempting to stop a pass. He left the pitch on a stretcher after just the first half.

Højlund soon had the goal in the goal but was flagged for a push on the defender. By the 30-minute mark, the team were playing very recklessly, a fact underscored as the defender deflected a Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg shot narrowly wide. Yet Scotland made it to the break without conceding. They were even robbed of a excellent chance of a two-goal lead, Rasmus Kristensen cleverly taking out the midfielder, earning a booking, after the player capitalised on opposition slackness.

Final Period Action

The attacker forced the keeper into a quick, down stop within 90 seconds of the second half. If the Scots were going to qualify, 45 minutes would feel like the long wait since the tournament. Given Denmark only needed a tie, the direction of traffic right from the onset of the half felt ominous for the home team. They were managing – partially – in breaking up Denmark attacks but immediately giving the ball back to those in red.

When the equaliser arrived, it came with the whiff of controversy associated.

The referee originally saw no infringement with Robertson challenge on Gustav Isaksen on the angle of the box. In fact, it seemed the player dived into the air. After being advised to check by the VAR, Szymon Marciniak awarded the penalty spot. Højlund blasted into the net. On the overall play, parity was the least Denmark earned but Scotland had cause to be upset about the circumstances.

Late Drama

The only thing action-packed encounter was missing was a dismissal. It came on the 60-minute mark, Kristensen another infraction of the match on a attacking McGinn bringing another caution. Then the coach made a change by bringing on the strikers one substitute and Che Adams.

The move was to prove effective. Denmark's marking of an curling Lewis Ferguson set piece was disorganized, allowing the striker to strike. The Hearts frontman, brought on for his goal-scoring ability, showed precisely that. The Danish head coach Brian Riemer, however, had reason to be furious at how straightforward it was.

Scotland had little time to extend their advantage. In moments, a Danish player slotted into the net after Andreas Christensen passed into his way inside the box from goal. On this occasion Scotland were too careless.

Adams directed a header wide. McGinn bending shot just missed the post. Then came the defender and a goal worthy to deciding the contest. The substitute added gloss: from the center circle, indeed.