Tierney and McLean Send the Scottish Team to FIFA World Cup with Thrilling Victory Over Denmark

Hampden Park has hosted many unforgettable events over its long history dating back to 1903. Remember this match to the record. The Scottish protracted absence has ended. 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 sealed the win by the odd goal in five until Kenny McLean delivered an still more stunning fourth.

Almost 30 years of frustration, during which Scotland have seen the World Cup from afar, were obliterated as Denmark suffered a loss in injury time. Grown men in traditional dress cried. Denmark's chance in next summer’s jamboree depends on playoff matches. The coach and a suddenly giddy country can start making concrete plans.

Academics could develop papers on how exactly the team accomplished this. They appeared defeated at times, no more recently than Saturday when falling to defeat in Athens. It was like someone, somewhere had decreed the Scots had waited long enough for a World Cup return. The interventions of Tierney and the midfielder were incredible.

The Night Unfolds

The night had apparently started in difficult circumstances for Scotland. John Souttar, who had been set to partner Scott McKenna in the back line, was hurt in the pregame. His replacement stepped in. All setback was forgotten within the opening moments.

It was among the most spectacular goals scored at the stadium in recent times.

The winger dribbled and dodged on the right flank. The Bournemouth winger’s arched pass was expected to be tricky for the midfielder to navigate. He was with his back to the net, to begin with. Rather, he catapulted himself into the air and planted an scissor kick past the grasp of the goalkeeper. This historic venue roared, not only in recognition of the early lead but the remarkable situation in which it occurred. Amazing.

Game Struggle

The Scottish midfielder was performing like a driven individual. Gannon-Doak looked electric. Scottish danger resonated in going on the offensive too ferociously; Craig Gordon blocked from Rasmus Højlund after the opposition forward was in alone. The offside flag was up but he may well have been onside a further inspection if it had been necessary. As a Danish player sent a cross across the Scottish area and McKenna deflected well from another attacker, the Scots were in a contest to maintain their advantage.

The winger had unnerved the Danes with his pace. It felt a major loss to the manager, then, as the player overstretched when attempting to block a pass. He departed the pitch on a stretcher after just the opening period.

The striker shortly had the ball in the goal but was called for a push on the defender. By the 30-minute mark, the team were playing far too dangerously, a fact highlighted as the defender deflected a midfielder shot narrowly wide. But Scotland made it to the break still ahead. They were also robbed of a great opportunity of a second goal, Rasmus Kristensen smartly fouling McGinn, receiving a booking, after the player capitalised on Danish mistakes.

Second Half Action

The attacker forced Gordon into a quick, down stop in the opening moments of the restart. If the Scots were going to do this, the half would be like the 27 years since the tournament. Given the visitors only needed a tie, the direction of traffic from the start of the half felt threatening for the home team. Scotland were managing – somewhat – in disrupting Denmark offensives but promptly giving the possession right back to the players in red.

As the equaliser arrived, it came with the hint of cordite associated.

The referee originally noticed nothing wrong with the captain's tackle on Gustav Isaksen on the edge of the box. In fact, it appeared the player flung himself into the air. After being instructed to look again by the VAR, the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Højlund drilled home. On the run of play, the equalizer was the least the away side deserved but Scotland had cause to be sore about the decision.

Final Drama

The only thing thrilling match was missing was a red card. It arrived on the hour, Kristensen another infraction of the match on a marauding McGinn bringing a second caution. Then Clarke made a change by throwing on the forwards Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams.

The move was to prove effective. Denmark's defending of an inswinging midfielder corner was poor, letting the striker to strike. The Hearts frontman, brought on for his goal-scoring ability, demonstrated precisely that. The opposition manager the coach, however, had cause to be angry at how simple it was.

Scotland had little time to build on their advantage. In moments, a Danish player slotted home after a teammate laid into his path inside the box from the net. This time Scotland were overly careless.

The striker directed a shot off target. The midfielder's bending shot narrowly went past the upright. Enter the defender and a moment fit to deciding the contest. The substitute provided the finish: from the midfield, at that.