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Hampden Park has witnessed many historic events throughout its rich history dating back to 1903. Include this match to the record. The Scottish long wait has concluded. Steve Clarke, the captain, Scott McTominay, John McGinn; they will be at the World Cup. So too the defender, whose curling shot from distance appeared to clinched success in a five-goal thriller before Kenny McLean delivered an more breathtaking final goal.

Almost 27 years of frustration, during which Scotland have watched the global tournament from afar, were wiped away as the Danish team suffered a loss in injury time. Supporters in kilts cried. The Danish participation in the upcoming event rests on qualifiers. The coach and a now giddy football nation can begin planning concrete arrangements.

Academics could write work on how on earth Scotland achieved this. They appeared defeated at points, as recently as the weekend when falling to defeat in Athens. It was as though fate had predetermined the Scots had waited long enough for a return to the World Cup. The contributions of the defender and McLean were extraordinary.

The Match Begins

The evening had reportedly opened in tough circumstances for Scotland. John Souttar, who had been set to play alongside the centre-back in defense, was injured in the warm-up. Grant Hanley took his place. All setback was dispelled within the first few minutes.

It was some of the most amazing goals scored at the stadium in recent times.

The winger dribbled and dodged on the wing. His lofted pass ought to have been difficult for the midfielder to navigate. He was with his back to the net, initially. Instead, he catapulted himself into the air and executed an bicycle kick beyond the grasp of Kasper Schmeichel. This renowned old place roared, not simply in recognition of the early lead but the remarkable situation in which it arrived. Incredible.

Midfield Contest

The Scottish midfielder was performing like a player inspired. Gannon-Doak seemed electric. Scottish danger was evident in attacking with great intensity; the goalkeeper denied from the Danish striker after the opposition forward was in alone. The assistant's flag was raised but he may well have survived a further inspection if it had been necessary. As a Danish player flashed a ball across the Scotland area and McKenna blocked well from another attacker, the Scots were in a fight to hold their advantage.

Gannon-Doak had rattled the Danes with his pace. It felt a big blow to Clarke, at that point, as the player overstretched when attempting to block a pass. He departed the pitch on a stretcher after just the first half.

The striker soon had the goal in the goal but was flagged for a push on the defender. By the 30-minute mark, the team were living far too dangerously, a fact underscored as the defender deflected a Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg shot just wide. But they reached the halftime without conceding. They were also denied of a golden opportunity of a additional goal, a Danish defender cleverly fouling the midfielder, receiving a booking, after the player took advantage of Danish slackness.

Second Half Excitement

Højlund made the keeper into a sharp, down stop in the opening moments of the restart. If Scotland were going to succeed, the half would seem like the 27 years since their last World Cup. Given Denmark only required a tie, the direction of play right from the onset of the half felt threatening for the home team. Scotland were managing – partially – in breaking up Danish offensives but immediately giving the ball back to the players in the away kit.

As the equaliser arrived, it came with the whiff of dispute attached.

The referee initially noticed no foul with the captain's tackle on Gustav Isaksen on the edge of the penalty area. In fact, it seemed Isaksen flung himself into the air. After being advised to review by the video assistant referee, the referee pointed to the penalty spot. The striker drilled home. On the run of play, the equalizer was the least Denmark merited but the hosts had reason to be upset about the circumstances.

Late Action

The only thing thrilling encounter lacked was a sending off. It arrived on the hour, Kristensen second foul of the night on a attacking midfielder earning another caution. Then Clarke made a change by introducing the strikers one substitute and another.

This decision was to work out. The Danish marking of an inswinging Lewis Ferguson set piece was disorganized, letting Shankland to finish. The Hearts frontman, introduced for his predatory instinct, produced precisely that. The opposition manager the coach, though, had reason to be angry at how straightforward it was.

Scotland had little time to build on their advantage. In moments, Patrick Dorgu placed into the net after a teammate laid into his path 12 yards from goal. This time the defense were too generous.

Adams flicked a shot off target. The midfielder's bending shot just missed the upright. Then came Tierney and a moment fit to win the game. The substitute added gloss: from the midfield, at that.