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Scotland's national stadium has hosted numerous historic moments over its long history dating back to 1903. Add this one to the list. Scotland's protracted wait has ended. Steve Clarke, the captain, Scott McTominay, John McGinn; they will be at the World Cup. Along with them Kieran Tierney, whose bending strike from distance appeared to secured victory by the odd goal in five before Kenny McLean produced an even more stunning clincher.

Almost 30 years of frustration, during which the Scottish men's team have watched the World Cup from afar, were erased as the Danish team suffered defeat in stoppage time. Supporters in traditional dress wept. The Danish qualification in next summer’s tournament depends on March playoffs. Clarke and a suddenly jubilant football nation can prepare definite plans.

Researchers could produce papers on the manner in which the team achieved this. They looked defeated at points, just days before Saturday when falling to defeat in Greece. It was as though someone, somewhere had decreed the Scots had endured sufficient for a place in the tournament. The interventions of Tierney and McLean were incredible.

The Night Kicks Off

The night had reportedly started in difficult fashion for Scotland. John Souttar, who had been scheduled to play alongside Scott McKenna in defense, was hurt in the warmup. Grant Hanley took his place. All setback was forgotten in the first few minutes.

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

Ben Gannon-Doak maneuvered on the wing. The Bournemouth winger’s lofted cross was expected to be difficult for the midfielder to control. He was with his back to goal, to begin with. Instead, McTominay launched himself into the sky and planted an scissor kick beyond the grasp of Kasper Schmeichel. This renowned old place erupted, not just in appreciation of the early lead but the remarkable situation in which it arrived. Amazing.

Game Struggle

McTominay was performing like a driven individual. Gannon-Doak appeared explosive. Scottish danger was evident in going on the offensive too ferociously; Craig Gordon denied from Rasmus Højlund after the opposition forward was in alone. The assistant's flag was raised but Højlund might have been onside a further inspection if it had been necessary. As Mikkel Damsgaard flashed a cross across the Scotland area and the defender blocked effectively from another attacker, the home side were in a battle to hold their lead.

Gannon-Doak had rattled the Danish team with his speed. It felt a major blow to the manager, at that point, as the player strained when trying to block a cross. He departed the pitch on a medical cart after only 20 minutes.

The striker shortly had the goal in the goal but was penalised for a foul on the defender. By the half-hour, the team were playing extremely recklessly, a point highlighted as the defender turned a Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg drive just off target. But Scotland reached the break still ahead. They were even denied of a great chance of a second goal, a Danish defender cleverly fouling the midfielder, receiving a booking, after the player took advantage of opposition slackness.

Final Period Excitement

The attacker forced Gordon into a quick, down stop in the opening moments of the restart. If Scotland were going to do this, 45 minutes would be like the long wait since World Cup participation. Given Denmark only required a draw, the direction of traffic right from the onset of the second period felt ominous for the home team. Scotland were managing – to a point – in stopping Denmark attacks but immediately giving the possession right back to the players in red.

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

The referee originally saw no foul with Robertson challenge on the winger on the edge of the penalty area. Indeed, it seemed Isaksen flung himself into the ground. After being instructed to check by the video assistant referee, Szymon Marciniak awarded the penalty spot. The striker smashed into the net. On the overall play, parity was the minimum the away side merited but Scotland had cause to be sore about the call.

Final Action

All this thrilling game was missing was a red card. It arrived on the hour, Kristensen another infraction of the match on a marauding midfielder earning a second yellow card. Then Clarke made a change by introducing the forwards Lawrence Shankland and another.

This decision was to pay dividends. The Danish defending of an curling Lewis Ferguson set piece was poor, allowing the striker to strike. The substitute, introduced for his attacking prowess, demonstrated precisely that. The Danish head coach Brian Riemer, though, had cause to be angry at how simple it was.

The home team had little time to extend their advantage. In three minutes, a Danish player stroked into the net after Andreas Christensen laid into his path 12 yards from the net. This time Scotland were overly lenient.

The striker flicked a header off target. The midfielder's bending attempt just went past the upright. Enter the defender and a moment worthy to win the game. The substitute provided the finish: from the center circle, indeed.