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Scotland's national stadium has been the stage for numerous memorable moments throughout its rich history since 1903. Add this game to the list. Scotland's extended absence is over. The manager, Andy Robertson, the midfielder, John McGinn; they will be at the World Cup. So too Kieran Tierney, whose bending effort from 22 yards looked like it had secured success in a high-scoring affair before the substitute produced an still more spectacular clincher.

Almost 30 years of frustration, during which the Scottish men's team have watched the World Cup from afar, were wiped away as Denmark fell to a loss in stoppage time. Grown men in traditional dress cried. The Danish participation in the next jamboree rests on March playoffs. Clarke and a suddenly jubilant country can begin planning solid arrangements.

Researchers could write studies on the manner in which the team pulled off this. They seemed defeated at moments, no more recently than the weekend when falling to defeat in Greece. It was as though someone, somewhere had decreed the Scottish team had waited quite enough for a place in the tournament. The interventions of the defender and McLean were extraordinary.

The Match Kicks Off

The night had reportedly started in difficult fashion for the home side. The defender, who had been due to partner Scott McKenna in central defence, was injured in the warmup. Grant Hanley filled in. Any sense of setback was dispelled in three minutes.

This was among the most wondrous goals produced at the stadium in living memory.

Ben Gannon-Doak jinked and weaved on the right flank. The Bournemouth winger’s arched delivery should have been challenging for McTominay to navigate. He was facing away from goal, initially. Rather, McTominay propelled himself into the sky and landed an overhead kick beyond the reach of Kasper Schmeichel. This historic old place erupted, not simply in appreciation of the first goal but the unique context in which it arrived. Wow.

Game Battle

McTominay was playing like a player inspired. Gannon-Doak appeared explosive. The home team's threat resonated in going on the offensive too ferociously; the goalkeeper saved from Rasmus Højlund after the opposition striker was through on goal. The assistant's flag was raised but Højlund could have survived a further inspection if it had been necessary. As Mikkel Damsgaard flashed a ball across the Scottish goal and the defender blocked well from Victor Froholdt, the home side were in a contest to keep their advantage.

Gannon-Doak had panicked the Danes with his quickness. It felt a significant loss to Clarke, at that point, as the player strained when attempting to stop a cross. He left the scene on a stretcher after only 20 minutes.

The striker soon had the goal in the goal but was called for a push on Aaron Hickey. By the half-hour, Scotland were living very recklessly, a fact further emphasised as the defender deflected a Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg shot narrowly wide. Yet Scotland reached the break without conceding. They were even denied of a great chance of a additional goal, a Danish defender cleverly taking out the midfielder, earning a yellow card, after the player took advantage of Danish mistakes.

Final Period Action

Højlund made the keeper into a quick, down save in a minute and a half of the restart. If the Scots were going to qualify, the half would seem like the decades since World Cup participation. Given the visitors only required a tie, the direction of play right from the start of the second period felt worrying for the home team. They were managing – somewhat – in disrupting Denmark attacks but promptly handing the ball right back to the players in red.

As the equaliser was scored, it came with the hint of controversy associated.

The official initially saw no infringement with Robertson tackle on the winger on the angle of the box. Indeed, it appeared the player dived into the air. After being advised to check by the video assistant referee, the referee pointed to the penalty spot. The striker smashed into the net. On the overall play, the equalizer was the least Denmark earned but the hosts had cause to be angry about the call.

Late Heroics

All this exciting game was missing was a red card. It came on the 60-minute mark, Kristensen another infraction of the night on a marauding midfielder bringing another caution. Then Clarke twisted by introducing the strikers one substitute and another.

This decision was to work out. The Danish marking of an inswinging midfielder corner was disorganized, letting the striker to strike. The Hearts frontman, introduced for his predatory instinct, produced precisely that. The opposition manager Brian Riemer, however, had cause to be upset at how easy it was.

Scotland had little time to extend their lead. In moments, a Danish player placed into the net after a teammate laid into his way from close range from goal. This time the defense were too lenient.

The striker directed a shot wide. McGinn curling shot just went past the upright. Enter Tierney and a strike capable of win any match. The substitute sealed it: from the halfway line, at that.