🔗 Share this article

Scotland's national stadium has witnessed countless historic moments throughout its rich history dating back to 1903. Add this one to the list. Scotland's long absence has concluded. Steve Clarke, the captain, Scott McTominay, John McGinn; they are headed to the tournament. So too Kieran Tierney, whose swerving shot from distance appeared to sealed success in a high-scoring affair until the substitute produced an even more stunning fourth.

Almost 30 years of disappointment, during which Scotland have seen the global tournament from the sidelines, were wiped away as the Danish team suffered a loss in stoppage time. Supporters in kilts shed tears. Denmark's qualification in the upcoming jamboree rests on March playoffs. Clarke and a now giddy football nation can start making concrete arrangements.

Researchers could write papers on how exactly the team accomplished this. They looked finished at moments, no more recently than Saturday when falling to defeat in Athens. It was as though someone, somewhere had predetermined the Scottish team had endured sufficient for a return to the World Cup. The contributions of Tierney and the midfielder were remarkable.

The Night Unfolds

The evening had supposedly opened in tough circumstances for Scotland. John Souttar, who had been scheduled to partner the centre-back in central defence, was hurt in the warmup. Grant Hanley stepped in. All problem was dispelled within the opening moments.

It was among the most wondrous strikes delivered at the stadium in living memory.

The winger jinked and weaved on the right flank. The Bournemouth winger’s floated pass should have been challenging for the midfielder to navigate. He was with his back to the net, initially. Instead, he catapulted himself into the sky and executed an bicycle kick beyond the reach of Kasper Schmeichel. This renowned venue exploded, not just in appreciation of the first goal but the unique context in which it came. Wow.

Midfield Battle

The Scottish midfielder was playing like a man possessed. The young winger seemed dynamic. The home team's offense was evident in attacking aggressively; Craig Gordon saved from Rasmus Højlund after the Denmark striker was in alone. The assistant's flag was up but Højlund could have been onside a further inspection were it required. As a Danish player flashed a ball across the Scottish area and the defender blocked well from another attacker, the home side were in a contest to keep their advantage.

Gannon-Doak had unnerved the Danish team with his quickness. It felt a major setback to Clarke, at that point, as the Bournemouth man strained when attempting to block a cross. He departed the scene on a medical cart after just 20 minutes.

Højlund soon had the ball in the net but was flagged for a push on the defender. By the half-hour, Scotland were playing very dangerously, a point further emphasised as the defender deflected a Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg shot narrowly off target. But Scotland made it to the break still ahead. They were also robbed of a great chance of a additional goal, Rasmus Kristensen smartly taking out McGinn, earning a booking, after the player capitalised on Danish slackness.

Second Half Excitement

The attacker made Gordon into a sharp, low stop in the opening moments of the restart. If Scotland were going to do this, the half would be like the decades since their last World Cup. Given the visitors only needed a tie, the direction of play from the onset of the half felt threatening for the hosts. Scotland were managing – partially – in stopping Denmark offensives but immediately handing the ball right back to the players in the away kit.

As the tying goal was scored, it came with the hint of dispute attached.

The official initially saw no infringement with Robertson tackle on the winger on the edge of the box. Indeed, it seemed the player flung himself into the air. After being advised to check by the video assistant referee, Szymon Marciniak pointed to the spot. Højlund smashed home. On the balance, parity was the least the away side deserved but the hosts had reason to be sore about the call.

Late Action

The only thing thrilling match was missing was a red card. It arrived on the hour, the defender's another infraction of the match on a marauding McGinn earning a second caution. Then Clarke twisted by bringing on the strikers one substitute and another.

The move was to prove effective. Denmark's marking of an curling midfielder corner was shambolic, letting the striker to score. The Hearts frontman, brought on for his goal-scoring ability, showed exactly that. The Danish head coach Brian Riemer, though, had reason to be angry at how easy it was.

Scotland had no time to extend their lead. In moments, a Danish player stroked home after a teammate laid into his way 12 yards from goal. On this occasion Scotland were too lenient.

Adams flicked a shot wide. McGinn bending attempt narrowly went past the upright. Then came Tierney and a goal worthy to win the contest. McLean sealed it: from the center circle, no less.