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Scotland's national stadium has hosted countless memorable events over its illustrious history dating back to 1903. Remember this game to the record. Scotland's long drought is over. Steve Clarke, Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay, John McGinn; they are headed to the tournament. So too Kieran Tierney, whose bending strike from distance appeared to sealed success in a five-goal thriller until Kenny McLean delivered an more stunning final goal.

Nearly three decades of heartache, during which Scotland have observed men’s World Cups from afar, were obliterated as Denmark suffered a loss in added time. Supporters in kilts cried. The Danish qualification in next summer’s tournament hinges on playoff matches. Clarke and a now ecstatic football nation can start making solid plans.

Academics could write papers on the manner in which Scotland achieved this. They appeared defeated at times, just days before the weekend when suffering a loss in Athens. It was as though destiny had decreed the Scots had waited quite enough for a World Cup return. The actions of the defender and the midfielder were incredible.

The Game Unfolds

The night had supposedly started in tough circumstances for the home side. The defender, who had been due to play alongside Scott McKenna in defense, was hurt in the pregame. His replacement filled in. All setback was banished in three minutes.

It was one of the most spectacular goals produced at the stadium in recent times.

The winger dribbled and dodged on the right flank. The Bournemouth winger’s lofted cross ought to have been tricky for McTominay to handle. He was with his back to goal, to begin with. Rather, McTominay catapulted himself into the sky and landed an bicycle kick beyond the reach of Kasper Schmeichel. This famous stadium erupted, not simply in acknowledgment of the opening goal but the special situation in which it occurred. Incredible.

Game Battle

McTominay was playing like a driven individual. Gannon-Doak looked dynamic. Scottish threat resonated in going on the offensive with great intensity; Craig Gordon saved from Rasmus Højlund after the opposition striker was in alone. The assistant's flag was up but he may well have been onside a VAR review if needed. As a Danish player sent a ball across the Scotland area and McKenna blocked effectively from another attacker, the home side were in a battle to hold their advantage.

The winger had unnerved the Danes with his pace. It felt a big setback to Clarke, then, as the player strained when trying to stop a pass. He departed the scene on a stretcher after just the first half.

The striker shortly 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 dangerously, a point underscored as Hanley turned a midfielder shot narrowly wide. But they made it to the break unscathed. They were also denied of a golden chance of a additional goal, a Danish defender cleverly taking out McGinn, earning a booking, after the midfielder capitalised on opposition carelessness.

Final Period Excitement

Højlund forced Gordon into a quick, down save in 90 seconds of the restart. If the Scots were going to qualify, 45 minutes would seem like the long wait since the tournament. Given the visitors only needed a tie, the flow of play right from the start of the second period felt worrying for the hosts. Scotland were succeeding – to a point – in breaking up Danish attacks but immediately giving the possession right back to those in the away kit.

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

The referee initially saw no infringement with Robertson challenge on Gustav Isaksen on the edge of the box. In fact, it appeared the player flung himself into the ground. After being advised to review by the VAR, Szymon Marciniak pointed to the spot. The striker drilled home. On the overall play, parity was the least the away side deserved but Scotland had cause to be angry about the circumstances.

Final Action

All this exciting match lacked was a dismissal. It arrived on the 60-minute mark, the defender's second foul of the match on a marauding McGinn bringing another caution. Then Clarke made a change by bringing on the forwards Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams.

The move was to work out. The Danish defending of an inswinging Lewis Ferguson corner was poor, letting Shankland to strike. The substitute, brought on for his attacking prowess, demonstrated exactly that. The Danish head coach the coach, though, had cause to be upset at how easy it was.

The home team had no time to build on their advantage. Within moments, Patrick Dorgu slotted home after a teammate laid into his way 12 yards from the net. On this occasion the defense were overly lenient.

The striker directed a shot off target. The midfielder's curling attempt just went past the post. Enter Tierney and a moment fit to win the game. The substitute sealed it: from the center circle, indeed.