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Scotland's national stadium has hosted numerous memorable occasions throughout its rich history dating back to 1903. Add this one to the list. Scotland's long drought has ended. The manager, the captain, the midfielder, John McGinn; they will be at the World Cup. So too the defender, whose swerving effort from 22 yards appeared to sealed the win in a five-goal thriller until Kenny McLean delivered an still more breathtaking fourth.

Almost three decades of heartache, during which the Scottish men's team have watched the World Cup from a distance, were erased as Denmark suffered a loss in injury time. Adult fans in traditional dress wept. The Danish chance in the next event depends on March playoffs. Clarke and a now ecstatic Scottish football community can start making solid arrangements.

Academics could write papers on the manner in which the team accomplished this. They looked finished at points, just days before Saturday when falling to defeat in Greece. It was almost as if someone, somewhere had predetermined the Scottish team had waited long enough for a place in the tournament. The actions of the defender and McLean were extraordinary.

The Game Kicks Off

The night had reportedly started in challenging circumstances for Scotland. The defender, who had been scheduled to partner the centre-back in defense, was injured in the warmup. His replacement took his place. All problem was forgotten within three minutes.

This was among the most spectacular strikes delivered at Hampden in modern history.

Ben Gannon-Doak dribbled and dodged on the right flank. His arched cross should have been challenging for McTominay to control. He was with his back to the net, to begin with. Instead, McTominay propelled himself into the sky and landed an overhead kick beyond the grasp of the goalkeeper. This historic stadium roared, not only in acknowledgment of the opening goal but the unique situation in which it arrived. Amazing.

Midfield Struggle

The Scottish midfielder was playing like a man possessed. Gannon-Doak appeared electric. Scottish danger shone in going on the offensive with great intensity; Craig Gordon saved from the Danish striker after the Denmark striker was through on goal. The assistant's flag was raised but he might have been onside a second check were it required. As a Danish player flashed a ball across the Scottish area and the defender deflected effectively from Victor Froholdt, the home side were in a battle to hold their advantage.

Gannon-Doak had panicked the Danes with his quickness. It felt a major setback to the manager, at that point, as the player strained when trying to stop a pass. He left the pitch on a stretcher after just the opening period.

Højlund shortly had the ball in the net but was flagged for a foul on the defender. By the half-hour, Scotland were playing extremely recklessly, a fact further emphasised as Hanley turned a Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg drive narrowly wide. Yet Scotland made it to the break still ahead. They were even denied of a excellent chance of a second goal, a Danish defender smartly fouling the midfielder, receiving a yellow card, after the player took advantage of opposition carelessness.

Second Half Drama

Højlund made Gordon into a smart, low stop in 90 seconds of the restart. If the Scots were going to succeed, the half would be like the decades since their last World Cup. Given the visitors only needed a tie, the flow of play from the start of the half felt worrying for the home team. Scotland were managing – somewhat – in stopping Danish offensives but immediately handing the possession back to the players in the away kit.

As the tying goal arrived, it came with the hint of controversy attached.

The referee initially saw nothing wrong with Robertson challenge on the winger on the edge of the penalty area. In fact, it seemed the player flung himself into the ground. After being instructed to review by the video assistant referee, the referee pointed to the spot. Højlund blasted into the net. On the overall play, the equalizer was the minimum Denmark merited but the hosts had reason to be upset about the call.

Final Heroics

The only thing exciting game was missing was a red card. It came on the 60-minute mark, the defender's another infraction of the night on a attacking McGinn earning a second yellow card. Then the coach twisted by introducing the forwards Lawrence Shankland and another.

The move was to prove effective. The Danish defending of an inswinging Lewis Ferguson set piece was disorganized, letting the striker to score. The substitute, brought on for his attacking prowess, showed exactly that. The Danish head coach Brian Riemer, however, had cause to be upset at how straightforward it was.

Scotland had no time to build on their advantage. Within moments, a Danish player stroked home after a teammate passed into his way 12 yards from the net. On this occasion Scotland were overly lenient.

The striker flicked a shot wide. The midfielder's bending attempt narrowly went past the post. Enter Tierney and a moment fit to win any match. McLean provided the finish: from the halfway line, no less.