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Hampden Park has witnessed many unforgettable occasions over its rich history dating back to 1903. Remember this one to the annals. The Scottish long absence has ended. Steve Clarke, Andy Robertson, the midfielder, John McGinn; they will be at the World Cup. So too Kieran Tierney, whose swerving effort from 22 yards seemed to have clinched success in a high-scoring affair until the substitute delivered an still more spectacular fourth.

Almost 30 years of frustration, during which Scotland have observed men’s World Cups from afar, were obliterated as Denmark suffered defeat in added time. Grown men in kilts cried. Denmark's chance in next summer’s tournament rests on qualifiers. Clarke and a now giddy Scottish football community can start making solid arrangements.

Researchers could develop studies on the manner in which the team pulled off this. They seemed down and out at times, as recently as Saturday when suffering a loss in Athens. It was almost as if fate had decreed the Scottish team had waited quite enough for a place in the tournament. The interventions of Tierney and McLean were incredible.

The Game Kicks Off

The night had reportedly started in challenging circumstances for Scotland. The defender, who had been scheduled to partner Scott McKenna in central defence, was hurt in the pregame. Grant Hanley took his place. All setback was dispelled within the opening moments.

This was among the most wondrous finishes scored at Hampden in recent times.

Ben Gannon-Doak maneuvered on the right. The Bournemouth winger’s arched delivery ought to have been tricky for McTominay to navigate. He was facing away from the net, to begin with. Instead, he catapulted himself into the air and executed an bicycle kick past the reach of Kasper Schmeichel. This historic old place exploded, not only in appreciation of the opening goal but the special situation in which it occurred. Amazing.

Game Battle

McTominay was performing like a player inspired. The young winger seemed dynamic. The home team's threat shone in going on the offensive with great intensity; Craig Gordon denied from Rasmus Højlund after the opposition forward was sent clean through. The offside flag was up but he might have been onside a further inspection if needed. As a Danish player sent a ball across the Scottish goal and the defender blocked effectively from another attacker, the home side were in a fight to maintain their advantage.

The winger had rattled the Danes with his quickness. It felt a major loss to the manager, at that point, as the player overstretched when attempting to stop a cross. He departed the pitch on a stretcher after only the opening period.

Højlund soon had the goal in the goal but was flagged for a push on Aaron Hickey. By the half-hour, Scotland were playing far too recklessly, a fact underscored as the defender deflected a midfielder shot just off target. But they made it to the break unscathed. They were also robbed of a great chance of a additional goal, a Danish defender cleverly fouling McGinn, receiving a yellow card, after the midfielder capitalised on Danish slackness.

Second Half Excitement

Højlund forced Gordon into a quick, low stop in the opening moments of the second half. If Scotland were going to succeed, the remainder would be like the decades since their last World Cup. Given the visitors only needed a draw, the flow of attacks right from the onset of the second period felt worrying for the home team. They were succeeding – somewhat – in breaking up Denmark attacks but immediately handing the ball right back to the players in red.

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

The referee originally noticed nothing wrong with the captain's challenge on Gustav Isaksen on the angle of the box. Indeed, it appeared Isaksen dived into the ground. After being advised to check by the video assistant referee, Szymon Marciniak pointed to the penalty spot. The striker blasted home. On the run of play, parity was the minimum Denmark deserved but Scotland had cause to be upset about the decision.

Final Heroics

The only thing exciting match lacked was a dismissal. It came on the 60-minute mark, Kristensen another infraction of the night on a attacking McGinn earning a second yellow card. Then the coach twisted by bringing on the strikers Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams.

This decision was to prove effective. The Danish defending of an inswinging Lewis Ferguson corner was disorganized, allowing the striker to strike. The Hearts frontman, brought on for his predatory instinct, demonstrated precisely that. The Danish head coach Brian Riemer, though, had cause to be furious at how straightforward it was.

The home team had little time to extend their lead. Within three minutes, a Danish player slotted into the net after a teammate passed into his way inside the box from goal. This time Scotland were too lenient.

Adams directed a shot off target. McGinn curling shot just missed the post. Then came Tierney and a strike capable of deciding the contest. The substitute sealed it: from the center circle, indeed.