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Scotland's national stadium has witnessed countless memorable moments over its illustrious history dating back to 1903. Remember this one to the record. The Scottish protracted absence has concluded. The manager, Andy Robertson, the midfielder, John McGinn; they will be at the World Cup. Along with them the defender, whose swerving strike from distance looked like it had secured the win by the odd goal in five before Kenny McLean delivered an even more stunning final goal.

Almost three decades of disappointment, during which the Scottish men's team have seen the World Cup from afar, were wiped away as Denmark fell to defeat in injury time. Supporters in traditional dress shed tears. The Danish qualification in next summer’s event rests on playoff matches. The coach and a suddenly ecstatic country can prepare solid arrangements.

Academics could write papers on the manner in which Scotland achieved this. They looked defeated at points, no more recently than Saturday when suffering defeat in Athens. It was almost as if destiny had predetermined the Scots had waited long enough for a return to the World Cup. The contributions of Tierney and McLean were remarkable.

The Game Begins

The match had reportedly opened in tough fashion for Scotland. The defender, who had been scheduled to play alongside the centre-back in defense, was injured in the warmup. His replacement filled in. All setback was banished within three minutes.

It was among the most amazing strikes scored at Hampden in recent times.

Ben Gannon-Doak maneuvered on the right. The Bournemouth winger’s arched delivery ought to have been difficult for the midfielder to control. He was with his back to the net, to begin with. Instead, McTominay launched himself into the air and landed an scissor kick beyond the reach of Kasper Schmeichel. This famous old place exploded, not just in recognition of the first goal but the unique situation in which it occurred. Incredible.

Midfield Battle

McTominay was performing like a man possessed. The young winger seemed electric. The home team's offense was evident in attacking with great intensity; the goalkeeper blocked from the Danish striker after the opposition striker was through on goal. The assistant's flag was up but he might have survived a second check were it required. As Mikkel Damsgaard sent a cross across the Scottish area and McKenna blocked effectively from Victor Froholdt, the Scots were in a battle to keep their lead.

Gannon-Doak had unnerved the Danes with his quickness. It felt a big setback to the manager, then, as the Bournemouth man overstretched when trying to stop a cross. He left the field on a stretcher after only 20 minutes.

The striker soon had the goal in the goal but was penalised for a foul on Aaron Hickey. By the 30-minute mark, Scotland were playing very recklessly, a point highlighted as the defender turned a midfielder shot narrowly wide. Yet Scotland made it to the halftime without conceding. They were even denied of a excellent opportunity of a additional goal, a Danish defender cleverly fouling the midfielder, earning a booking, after the player took advantage of opposition slackness.

Second Half Drama

Højlund forced Gordon into a sharp, low stop within 90 seconds of the second half. If Scotland were going to succeed, the half would seem like the long wait since World Cup participation. Given Denmark only required a draw, the flow of play right from the start of the half felt worrying for the hosts. Scotland were managing – to a point – in stopping Denmark offensives but promptly giving the possession back to those in red.

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

The official initially noticed no foul with Robertson tackle on Gustav Isaksen on the edge of the penalty area. In fact, it appeared the player flung himself into the air. After being instructed to check by the video assistant referee, the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Højlund blasted home. On the overall play, the equalizer was the least Denmark deserved but Scotland had cause to be upset about the circumstances.

Final Drama

All this exciting match was missing was a sending off. It arrived on the hour, the defender's second foul of the night on a marauding McGinn earning another caution. Then Clarke made a change by throwing on the forwards Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams.

The move was to pay dividends. Denmark's defending of an curling midfielder set piece was shambolic, allowing Shankland to finish. The Hearts frontman, introduced for his attacking prowess, demonstrated precisely that. The Danish head coach the coach, though, had cause to be upset at how straightforward it was.

Scotland had little time to extend their advantage. Within a short time, Patrick Dorgu placed into the net after a teammate passed into his way inside the box from the net. On this occasion Scotland were overly careless.

The striker directed a shot off target. The midfielder's bending shot just went past the post. Enter the defender and a strike capable of deciding any match. McLean provided the finish: from the midfield, no less.