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Hampden Park has witnessed many unforgettable moments over its long history dating back to 1903. Add this game to the annals. Scotland's extended wait is over. Steve Clarke, Andy Robertson, the midfielder, John McGinn; they will be at the World Cup. Along with them the defender, whose bending effort from distance seemed to have clinched the win in a five-goal thriller before Kenny McLean executed an still more stunning final goal.

Nearly 30 years of heartache, during which Scotland have observed the World Cup from afar, were wiped away as Denmark suffered a loss in injury time. Adult fans in kilts cried. Denmark's chance in next summer’s event rests on March playoffs. Clarke and a now giddy football nation can prepare definite plans.

Researchers could develop papers on how on earth the team achieved this. They looked finished at times, as recently as the weekend when falling to defeat in Greece. It was like fate had predetermined the Scots had endured sufficient for a place in the tournament. The actions of Tierney and McLean were incredible.

The Night Begins

The night had supposedly started in challenging circumstances for Scotland. The defender, who had been due to partner Scott McKenna in central defence, was injured in the warm-up. Grant Hanley filled in. All setback was forgotten within three minutes.

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

Ben Gannon-Doak jinked and weaved on the right flank. The Bournemouth winger’s floated pass should have been tricky for the midfielder to control. He was facing away from the net, for starters. Rather, he catapulted himself into the sky and executed an bicycle kick beyond the grasp of the goalkeeper. This famous venue erupted, not only in recognition of the opening goal but the unique situation in which it came. Incredible.

Midfield Contest

McTominay was playing like a driven individual. The young winger seemed electric. Scottish threat was evident in going on the offensive with great intensity; Craig Gordon denied from the Danish striker after the Denmark forward was in alone. The offside flag was raised but Højlund may well have survived a further inspection if needed. As Mikkel Damsgaard sent a cross across the Scottish goal and the defender blocked effectively from Victor Froholdt, the home side were in a battle to keep their lead.

Gannon-Doak had rattled the Danes with his quickness. It felt a significant setback to the manager, then, as the player overstretched when attempting to block a pass. He departed the pitch on a medical cart after just the first half.

Højlund soon had the ball in the goal but was penalised for a push on Aaron Hickey. By the 30-minute mark, Scotland were living extremely recklessly, a point highlighted as Hanley deflected a Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg drive narrowly wide. But Scotland made it to the break unscathed. They were also denied of a excellent chance of a two-goal lead, Rasmus Kristensen smartly taking out McGinn, receiving a booking, after the midfielder capitalised on opposition slackness.

Second Half Drama

Højlund forced Gordon into a smart, low stop within the opening moments of the restart. If the Scots were going to succeed, 45 minutes would feel like the 27 years since World Cup participation. Considering Denmark only needed a tie, the direction of attacks right from the start of the second period felt threatening for the hosts. Scotland were managing – somewhat – in stopping Danish offensives but promptly giving the ball right back to those in the away kit.

As the tying goal was scored, it came with the scent of cordite associated.

The official originally noticed no foul with Robertson challenge on the winger on the angle of the penalty area. In fact, it appeared Isaksen dived into the ground. After being advised to check by the VAR, Szymon Marciniak pointed to the penalty spot. The striker blasted home. On the balance, the equalizer was the minimum the away side deserved but the hosts had cause to be angry about the decision.

Late Heroics

All this thrilling game was missing was a dismissal. It came on the hour, Kristensen another infraction of the night on a marauding McGinn earning a second yellow card. Now Clarke made a change by throwing on the forwards one substitute and Che Adams.

This decision was to work out. The Danish defending of an curling Lewis Ferguson set piece was shambolic, letting Shankland to score. The substitute, introduced for his attacking prowess, demonstrated exactly that. The opposition manager the coach, however, had cause to be furious at how straightforward it was.

The home team had little time to build on their advantage. Within a short time, Patrick Dorgu placed into the net after a teammate laid into his way 12 yards from goal. On this occasion the defense were overly generous.

Adams directed a shot off target. The midfielder's bending attempt just went past the post. Then came the defender and a moment capable of deciding any match. McLean provided the finish: from the halfway line, no less.