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Hampden Park has been the stage for countless unforgettable moments throughout its illustrious history since 1903. Include this one to the record. Scotland's long drought has concluded. The manager, Andy Robertson, the midfielder, the playmaker; you shall go to the ball. So too Kieran Tierney, whose bending strike from distance appeared to sealed victory in a five-goal thriller before the substitute produced an still more spectacular final goal.

Nearly 27 years of heartache, during which Scotland have observed the World Cup from a distance, were wiped away as the Danish team suffered defeat in added time. Supporters in kilts cried. Denmark's participation in next summer’s jamboree rests on March playoffs. Clarke and a suddenly ecstatic football nation can prepare solid arrangements.

Researchers could develop papers on the manner in which Scotland pulled off this. They appeared defeated at moments, as recently as Saturday when suffering defeat in Athens. It was almost as if fate had decided the Scots had endured sufficient for a return to the World Cup. The interventions of the defender and McLean were incredible.

The Match Unfolds

The night had supposedly opened in challenging circumstances for the home side. John Souttar, who had been due to play alongside Scott McKenna in the back line, was hurt in the pregame. His replacement took his place. Any sense of disruption was banished within the first few minutes.

This was one of the most amazing strikes scored at Hampden in living memory.

The winger jinked and weaved on the right flank. His arched pass ought to have been difficult for McTominay to control. He was with his back to the net, initially. Rather, he catapulted himself into the air and planted an scissor kick beyond the reach of Kasper Schmeichel. This historic venue exploded, not simply in recognition of the early lead but the unique context in which it came. Wow.

Game Battle

The Scottish midfielder was playing like a driven individual. The young winger appeared dynamic. The home team's threat was evident in attacking aggressively; the goalkeeper saved from Rasmus Højlund after the Denmark striker was in alone. The assistant's flag was up but Højlund may well have survived a further inspection were it required. As Mikkel Damsgaard sent a cross across the Scottish goal and the defender deflected effectively from Victor Froholdt, the home side were in a fight to keep their lead.

The winger had rattled the Danes with his pace. It felt a major blow to the manager, at that point, as the player strained when trying to stop a pass. He departed the pitch on a stretcher after just the first half.

The striker shortly had the goal in the net but was penalised for a push on the defender. By the half-hour, the team were playing extremely on the edge, a fact highlighted as Hanley turned a Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg shot narrowly wide. Yet Scotland made it to the halftime without conceding. They were even denied of a excellent opportunity of a two-goal lead, a Danish defender cleverly taking out the midfielder, earning a yellow card, after the player took advantage of opposition mistakes.

Second Half Excitement

Højlund made the keeper into a quick, low stop in a minute and a half of the restart. If Scotland were going to succeed, 45 minutes would feel like the long wait since their last World Cup. Considering the visitors only required a draw, the direction of play from the onset of the half felt threatening for the home team. They were managing – partially – in breaking up Danish attacks but promptly giving the possession back to those in the away kit.

When the tying goal was scored, it came with the scent of dispute associated.

The official initially saw nothing wrong with Robertson tackle on Gustav Isaksen on the edge of the box. Indeed, it appeared Isaksen went down into the air. After being instructed to review by the video assistant referee, the referee pointed to the penalty spot. The striker smashed home. On the overall play, parity was the least the away side deserved but the hosts had cause to be upset about the decision.

Late Heroics

All this action-packed encounter was missing was a sending off. It arrived on the 60-minute mark, Kristensen another infraction of the night on a marauding midfielder bringing a second yellow card. Now the coach made a change by bringing on the forwards one substitute and Che Adams.

This decision was to prove effective. The Danish marking of an inswinging Lewis Ferguson corner was shambolic, allowing Shankland to strike. The Hearts frontman, introduced for his attacking prowess, showed precisely that. The Danish head coach Brian Riemer, however, had cause to be angry at how simple it was.

Scotland had no time to build on their lead. In moments, a Danish player placed into the net after Andreas Christensen laid into his path inside the box from the net. On this occasion the defense were too generous.

Adams directed a header wide. The midfielder's curling attempt just missed the upright. Then came the defender and a goal fit to win the contest. McLean added gloss: from the halfway line, indeed.