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Scotland's national stadium has witnessed numerous unforgettable occasions throughout its rich history dating back to 1903. Add this one to the record. Scotland's extended wait is over. Steve Clarke, the captain, Scott McTominay, John McGinn; they will be at the World Cup. Along with them the defender, whose swerving strike from distance appeared to clinched victory in a five-goal thriller until Kenny McLean produced an more spectacular final goal.

Almost 30 years of heartache, during which Scotland have watched the global tournament from a distance, were obliterated as Denmark suffered defeat in stoppage time. Supporters in traditional dress shed tears. Denmark's chance in the upcoming jamboree depends on March playoffs. Clarke and a now giddy Scottish football community can begin planning definite plans.

Researchers could develop papers on how on earth the team achieved this. They appeared down and out at moments, no more recently than Saturday when falling to defeat in Athens. It was like destiny had decided the Scots had waited long enough for a place in the tournament. The actions of the defender and McLean were remarkable.

The Game Kicks Off

The night had reportedly opened in tough circumstances for Scotland. The defender, who had been due to play alongside Scott McKenna in defense, was injured in the pregame. His replacement filled in. All setback was forgotten within the first few minutes.

It was one of the most spectacular strikes produced at Hampden in recent times.

The winger jinked and weaved on the right flank. The Bournemouth winger’s arched pass was expected to be challenging for McTominay to handle. He was facing away from the net, for starters. Instead, he propelled himself into the air and landed an bicycle kick beyond the reach of Kasper Schmeichel. This famous old place exploded, not just in appreciation of the first goal but the special context in which it occurred. Incredible.

Game Battle

The Scottish midfielder was performing like a player inspired. The young winger looked explosive. Scottish offense resonated in attacking too ferociously; Craig Gordon saved from the Danish striker after the Denmark striker was in alone. The offside flag was raised but Højlund might have survived a VAR review were it required. As Mikkel Damsgaard flashed a ball across the Scottish area and McKenna blocked well from another attacker, the home side were in a contest to maintain their advantage.

Gannon-Doak had panicked the Danes with his quickness. It felt a big blow to the manager, at that point, as the player overstretched when trying to block a cross. He left the field on a medical cart after only the first half.

Højlund shortly had the goal in the goal but was flagged for a foul on Aaron Hickey. By the 30-minute mark, Scotland were playing very on the edge, a point underscored as Hanley turned a Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg shot just off target. But they made it to the halftime still ahead. They were even robbed of a golden opportunity of a additional goal, Rasmus Kristensen smartly fouling the midfielder, receiving a booking, after the player capitalised on Danish carelessness.

Final Period Drama

Højlund forced Gordon into a sharp, low stop 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 Denmark only needed a tie, the direction of attacks from the onset of the second period felt ominous for the home team. They were managing – somewhat – in breaking up Danish offensives but immediately giving the ball back to those in red.

When the tying goal arrived, it came with the scent of cordite associated.

The referee originally saw no foul with the captain's challenge on Gustav Isaksen on the edge of the box. In fact, it appeared the player flung himself into the air. After being instructed to review by the VAR, the referee awarded the penalty spot. Højlund blasted home. On the run of play, the equalizer was the least Denmark earned but the hosts had cause to be sore about the call.

Final Drama

The only thing action-packed encounter was missing was a sending off. It came on the hour, the defender's second foul of the night on a marauding midfielder bringing a second yellow card. Then Clarke made a change by introducing the forwards Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams.

This decision was to work out. The Danish marking of an curling midfielder corner was poor, allowing Shankland to score. The substitute, introduced for his attacking prowess, produced exactly that. The Danish head coach Brian Riemer, though, had reason to be upset at how simple it was.

The home team had little time to build on their lead. In three minutes, a Danish player placed home after a teammate passed into his path from close range from goal. This time the defense were overly lenient.

The striker flicked a shot wide. McGinn curling shot narrowly missed the post. Then came the defender and a goal capable of deciding any match. McLean provided the finish: from the midfield, at that.