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Scotland's national stadium has hosted many historic occasions throughout its long history dating back to 1903. Remember this one to the list. Scotland's long drought has ended. Steve Clarke, Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay, John McGinn; you shall go to the ball. Along with them Kieran Tierney, whose bending strike from distance looked like it had secured victory by the odd goal in five until Kenny McLean produced an more breathtaking fourth.

Nearly three decades of disappointment, during which the Scottish men's team have observed the global tournament from afar, were obliterated as Denmark suffered a loss in injury time. Grown men in kilts shed tears. Denmark's qualification in the upcoming event rests on playoff matches. The coach and a suddenly giddy Scottish football community can begin planning concrete plans.

Academics could write studies on how exactly the team pulled off this. They looked finished at points, no more recently than Saturday when suffering a loss in Athens. It was like fate had predetermined the Scots had endured sufficient for a World Cup return. The actions of Tierney and the midfielder were remarkable.

The Match Begins

The night had reportedly opened in tough circumstances for Scotland. The defender, who had been set to partner the centre-back in central defence, was hurt in the pregame. Grant Hanley filled in. All setback was dispelled in the opening moments.

This was one of the most amazing strikes produced at Hampden in recent times.

The winger jinked and weaved on the wing. The Bournemouth winger’s floated pass was expected to be challenging for the midfielder to navigate. He was with his back to goal, for starters. Instead, he launched himself into the air and executed an scissor kick beyond the reach of the goalkeeper. This famous venue roared, not only in appreciation of the opening goal but the unique situation in which it occurred. Wow.

Game Contest

McTominay was playing like a player inspired. The young winger seemed electric. The home team's danger resonated in attacking aggressively; the goalkeeper blocked from Rasmus Højlund after the Denmark striker was through on goal. The offside flag was raised but he could have been onside a VAR review were it required. As Mikkel Damsgaard sent a cross across the Scotland goal and the defender blocked well from Victor Froholdt, the home side were in a battle to hold their lead.

The winger had panicked the Danish team with his speed. It felt a big blow to the manager, then, as the player overstretched when trying to block a cross. He departed the field on a medical cart after just 20 minutes.

Højlund soon had the goal in the net but was called for a foul on Aaron Hickey. By the half-hour, the team were playing extremely recklessly, a fact underscored as Hanley deflected a Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg shot narrowly off target. But Scotland reached the halftime without conceding. They were also robbed of a golden chance of a second goal, a Danish defender cleverly taking out McGinn, receiving a booking, after the player capitalised on Danish carelessness.

Second Half Excitement

The attacker made the keeper into a quick, down save in the opening moments of the restart. If the Scots were going to do this, 45 minutes would feel like the decades since their last World Cup. Considering Denmark only required a draw, the direction of play right from the onset of the half felt threatening for the home team. They were managing – somewhat – in disrupting Denmark offensives but immediately giving the ball right back to the players in the away kit.

As the tying goal arrived, it came with the whiff of cordite associated.

The official initially saw no infringement with Robertson challenge on the winger on the angle of the box. Indeed, it appeared the player dived into the air. After being instructed to review by the video assistant referee, Szymon Marciniak pointed to the spot. The striker blasted home. On the overall play, parity was the minimum Denmark deserved but Scotland had cause to be angry about the call.

Late Heroics

All this thrilling encounter lacked was a red card. It arrived on the hour, Kristensen second foul of the match on a marauding midfielder bringing another yellow card. Now Clarke made a change by bringing on the strikers one substitute and another.

The move was to work out. The Danish marking of an curling Lewis Ferguson set piece was poor, letting the striker to finish. The substitute, brought on for his attacking prowess, produced exactly that. The opposition manager Brian Riemer, however, had cause to be furious at how straightforward it was.

Scotland had little time to build on their advantage. Within a short time, a Danish player placed into the net after a teammate passed into his path 12 yards from the net. On this occasion the defense were too generous.

Adams flicked a shot wide. McGinn curling shot narrowly missed the upright. Enter Tierney and a moment fit to deciding the game. McLean sealed it: from the center circle, no less.