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Scotland's national stadium has hosted countless memorable occasions over its illustrious history dating back to 1903. Add this one to the record. The Scottish protracted drought has concluded. The manager, Andy Robertson, the midfielder, John McGinn; they are headed to the tournament. Along with them Kieran Tierney, whose swerving strike from 22 yards appeared to clinched victory in a high-scoring affair until the substitute delivered an still more stunning clincher.

Almost 27 years of heartache, during which the Scottish men's team have watched men’s World Cups from afar, were wiped away as Denmark suffered defeat in added time. Adult fans in traditional dress shed tears. Denmark's qualification in the next tournament depends on qualifiers. Clarke and a suddenly ecstatic football nation can prepare definite plans.

Researchers could write papers on how exactly the team accomplished this. They appeared finished at times, no more recently than the weekend when falling to a loss in Greece. It was as though destiny had predetermined the Scots had waited quite enough for a place in the tournament. The contributions of the defender and the midfielder were remarkable.

The Match Unfolds

The night had apparently opened in challenging circumstances for the home side. John Souttar, who had been set to partner Scott McKenna in the back line, was injured in the pregame. His replacement took his place. All setback was forgotten in three minutes.

It was some of the most wondrous goals scored at the stadium in recent times.

Ben Gannon-Doak jinked and weaved on the wing. The Bournemouth winger’s arched cross was expected to be difficult for the midfielder to navigate. He was with his back to goal, to begin with. Rather, McTominay catapulted himself into the air and executed an overhead kick past the grasp of the goalkeeper. This historic venue exploded, not simply in recognition of the early lead but the remarkable context in which it occurred. Incredible.

Midfield Contest

McTominay was performing like a man possessed. The young winger appeared explosive. The home team's danger shone in going on the offensive aggressively; Craig Gordon blocked from Rasmus Højlund after the Denmark striker was sent clean through. The assistant's flag was up but he may well have survived a VAR review were it required. As a Danish player flashed a cross across the Scotland area and McKenna blocked well from another attacker, the home side were in a fight to hold their lead.

The winger had panicked the Danes with his quickness. It felt a major blow to the manager, at that point, as the Bournemouth man strained when attempting to stop a pass. He departed the pitch on a stretcher after only 20 minutes.

Højlund soon had the goal in the net but was flagged for a foul on Aaron Hickey. By the half-hour, Scotland were living far too dangerously, a fact further emphasised as Hanley deflected a midfielder drive narrowly off target. Yet they made it to the halftime without conceding. They were even robbed of a great opportunity of a additional goal, Rasmus Kristensen smartly taking out McGinn, receiving a yellow card, after the midfielder took advantage of Danish mistakes.

Second Half Drama

The attacker forced Gordon into a sharp, down stop within a minute and a half of the restart. If Scotland were going to do this, the remainder would be like the decades since the tournament. Given the visitors only needed a tie, the flow of attacks right from the start of the half felt worrying for the hosts. They were succeeding – partially – in disrupting Denmark attacks but promptly handing the possession right back to the players in red.

As the tying goal came, it came with the scent of dispute attached.

The official originally noticed no foul with the captain's tackle on Gustav Isaksen on the angle of the box. Indeed, it appeared the player went down into the air. After being advised to review by the video assistant referee, the referee pointed to the spot. The striker drilled into the net. On the balance, parity was the minimum the away side earned but Scotland had cause to be upset about the circumstances.

Late Drama

The only thing exciting game lacked was a red card. It came on the 60-minute mark, Kristensen second foul of the match on a marauding McGinn bringing another caution. Then the coach twisted by introducing the strikers Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams.

This decision was to pay dividends. Denmark's marking of an curling midfielder corner was disorganized, letting Shankland to strike. The substitute, brought on for his predatory instinct, produced precisely that. The Danish head coach Brian Riemer, though, had cause to be upset at how simple it was.

Scotland had no time to extend their advantage. Within moments, Patrick Dorgu slotted into the net after Andreas Christensen laid into his path 12 yards from goal. This time the defense were too lenient.

Adams directed a header off target. McGinn bending shot narrowly went past the upright. Then came Tierney and a strike worthy to deciding the contest. McLean provided the finish: from the midfield, at that.