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Hampden Park has been the stage for countless unforgettable occasions over its illustrious history dating back to 1903. Remember this match to the annals. The Scottish long wait is over. The manager, Andy Robertson, the midfielder, the playmaker; you shall go to the ball. So too the defender, whose swerving shot from distance seemed to have sealed success in a five-goal thriller before the substitute delivered an more stunning clincher.

Almost 27 years of disappointment, during which the Scottish men's team have watched the global tournament from a distance, were obliterated as Denmark suffered a loss in stoppage time. Adult fans in kilts cried. Denmark's participation in the upcoming event rests on qualifiers. Clarke and a now jubilant country can begin planning solid plans.

Researchers could write work on the manner in which Scotland accomplished this. They appeared defeated at moments, as recently as the weekend when suffering defeat in Greece. It was as though fate had predetermined the Scots had waited quite enough for a return to the World Cup. The contributions of the defender and McLean were extraordinary.

The Game Kicks Off

The match had supposedly opened in difficult fashion for Scotland. The defender, who had been set to partner Scott McKenna in central defence, was hurt in the warmup. Grant Hanley took his place. All setback was banished within three minutes.

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

Ben Gannon-Doak jinked and weaved on the right flank. The Bournemouth winger’s floated delivery was expected to be difficult for McTominay to handle. He was with his back to the net, to begin with. Instead, he propelled himself into the sky and executed an scissor kick beyond the grasp of the goalkeeper. This historic stadium roared, not just in acknowledgment of the early lead but the remarkable circumstances in which it arrived. Incredible.

Game Struggle

McTominay was performing like a driven individual. Gannon-Doak seemed dynamic. The home team's offense resonated in going on the offensive too ferociously; the goalkeeper blocked from Rasmus Højlund after the opposition forward was sent clean through. The assistant's flag was raised but he may well have been onside a further inspection if it had been necessary. As a Danish player flashed a ball across the Scotland area and McKenna deflected effectively from Victor Froholdt, the home side were in a battle to keep their advantage.

The winger had rattled the Danes with his speed. It felt a significant loss to the manager, then, as the player overstretched when attempting to block a cross. He departed the scene on a medical cart after only the first half.

The striker shortly had the goal in the net but was called for a push on Aaron Hickey. By the half-hour, Scotland were playing far too recklessly, a point further emphasised as Hanley turned a midfielder drive just wide. But Scotland reached the break still ahead. They were also denied of a golden opportunity of a additional goal, a Danish defender smartly taking out McGinn, earning a booking, after the midfielder took advantage of opposition carelessness.

Final Period Action

The attacker made Gordon into a quick, low save within a minute and a half of the restart. If Scotland were going to qualify, the remainder would seem like the long wait since the tournament. Given Denmark only needed a tie, the flow of traffic right from the onset of the second period felt ominous for the home team. They were managing – to a point – in disrupting Denmark offensives but immediately giving the possession right back to the players in red.

As the tying goal came, it came with the hint of cordite involved.

The official originally noticed nothing wrong with Robertson tackle on Gustav Isaksen on the edge of the box. Indeed, it seemed the player dived into the ground. After being instructed to check by the VAR, the referee pointed to the spot. The striker blasted into the net. On the overall play, parity was the least the away side deserved but Scotland had cause to be upset about the decision.

Late Heroics

The only thing thrilling game lacked was a sending off. It came on the 60-minute mark, Kristensen another infraction of the night on a marauding McGinn bringing another caution. Then Clarke made a change by bringing on the forwards Lawrence Shankland and another.

This decision was to prove effective. The Danish marking of an inswinging midfielder corner was poor, allowing the striker to finish. The substitute, introduced for his predatory instinct, demonstrated precisely that. The Danish head coach the coach, however, had reason to be angry at how simple it was.

Scotland had little time to extend their advantage. Within a short time, a Danish player placed into the net after Andreas Christensen passed into his way 12 yards from goal. This time Scotland were too careless.

Adams directed a header wide. McGinn bending shot just missed the post. Then came the defender and a strike worthy to win the contest. McLean provided the finish: from the midfield, at that.