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Hampden Park has been the stage for countless memorable events over its long history dating back to 1903. Add this one to the record. Scotland's long absence is over. The manager, the captain, Scott McTominay, John McGinn; they will be at the World Cup. So too Kieran Tierney, whose swerving strike from distance looked like it had sealed victory in a high-scoring affair until Kenny McLean executed an more spectacular clincher.

Nearly 27 years of frustration, during which the Scottish men's team have watched the World Cup from the sidelines, were obliterated as the Danish team suffered defeat in added time. Supporters in traditional dress shed tears. The Danish qualification in next summer’s tournament hinges on playoff matches. Clarke and a suddenly ecstatic Scottish football community can start making concrete arrangements.

Researchers could produce papers on how on earth the team pulled off this. They looked defeated at moments, as recently as the weekend when suffering defeat in Athens. It was like fate had predetermined the Scots had waited long enough for a World Cup return. The actions of Tierney and the midfielder were remarkable.

The Night Begins

The evening had reportedly started in tough fashion for the home side. John Souttar, who had been set to play alongside the centre-back in central defence, was hurt in the pregame. His replacement took his place. Any sense of problem was dispelled in three minutes.

This was among the most wondrous goals produced at Hampden in recent times.

Ben Gannon-Doak jinked and weaved on the right. The Bournemouth winger’s arched pass should have been challenging for McTominay to handle. He was facing away from the net, to begin with. Rather, McTominay launched himself into the air and executed an bicycle kick past the reach of Kasper Schmeichel. This renowned old place erupted, not only in acknowledgment of the first goal but the remarkable situation in which it arrived. Amazing.

Midfield Struggle

McTominay was playing like a driven individual. Gannon-Doak looked dynamic. Scottish danger shone in pushing forward too ferociously; Craig Gordon saved from the Danish striker after the Denmark striker was through on goal. The offside flag was raised but Højlund may well have survived a second check were it required. As a Danish player sent a cross across the Scotland area and the defender blocked effectively from Victor Froholdt, the home side were in a battle to hold their lead.

The winger had unnerved the Danes with his pace. It felt a big loss to Clarke, at that point, as the Bournemouth man overstretched when trying to stop a pass. He departed the field on a stretcher after only 20 minutes.

The striker shortly had the goal in the net but was called for a push on Aaron Hickey. By the half-hour, Scotland were playing extremely on the edge, a point further emphasised as Hanley turned a midfielder drive just off target. But Scotland reached the halftime unscathed. They were also robbed of a golden opportunity of a additional goal, a Danish defender smartly fouling McGinn, receiving a yellow card, after the player capitalised on Danish carelessness.

Second Half Drama

The attacker forced Gordon into a smart, down stop in the opening moments of the restart. If the Scots were going to qualify, the half would feel like the decades since their last World Cup. Given Denmark only required a draw, the direction of play from the onset of the half felt ominous for the hosts. Scotland were managing – partially – in stopping Danish attacks but immediately handing the ball back to the players in red.

As the equaliser came, it came with the hint of cordite involved.

The official initially noticed no infringement with Robertson tackle on the winger on the edge of the box. Indeed, it seemed Isaksen flung himself into the ground. After being advised to check by the video assistant referee, the referee awarded the penalty spot. The striker smashed into the net. On the run of play, the equalizer was the minimum the away side earned but the hosts had reason to be upset about the call.

Final Action

All this thrilling encounter was missing was a dismissal. It came on the 60-minute mark, the defender's another infraction of the match on a attacking McGinn earning another yellow card. Now the coach twisted by throwing on the forwards Lawrence Shankland and another.

This decision was to prove effective. Denmark's defending of an curling Lewis Ferguson set piece was poor, letting Shankland to score. The Hearts frontman, brought on for his goal-scoring ability, showed exactly that. The Danish head coach the coach, however, had reason to be upset at how simple it was.

Scotland had little time to extend their advantage. Within three minutes, a Danish player stroked into the net after Andreas Christensen passed into his way from close range from the net. This time Scotland were too generous.

The striker directed a header wide. McGinn bending attempt narrowly missed the upright. Enter the defender and a moment worthy to deciding the contest. McLean added gloss: from the center circle, indeed.