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Scotland's national stadium has witnessed many unforgettable moments throughout its illustrious history dating back to 1903. Include this one to the list. The Scottish extended drought is over. Steve Clarke, the captain, Scott McTominay, John McGinn; they are headed to the tournament. So too Kieran Tierney, whose swerving strike from distance looked like it had clinched success in a five-goal thriller until the substitute delivered an even more breathtaking final goal.

Nearly 27 years of heartache, during which Scotland have watched men’s World Cups from the sidelines, were obliterated as Denmark fell to a loss in added time. Supporters in traditional dress cried. Denmark's chance in the upcoming jamboree depends on March playoffs. The coach and a now giddy country can begin planning concrete plans.

Academics could write studies on how on earth Scotland achieved this. They looked finished at times, no more recently than Saturday when falling to defeat in Athens. It was almost as if destiny had predetermined the Scots had waited long enough for a return to the World Cup. The contributions of Tierney and the midfielder were remarkable.

The Game Kicks Off

The evening had supposedly started in challenging circumstances for the home side. John Souttar, who had been scheduled to partner Scott McKenna in the back line, was hurt in the warm-up. His replacement filled in. All disruption was banished within the first few minutes.

This was some of the most wondrous strikes delivered at Hampden in modern history.

Ben Gannon-Doak dribbled and dodged on the wing. His arched cross was expected to be difficult for McTominay to navigate. He was facing away from the net, initially. Instead, McTominay catapulted himself into the air and executed an scissor kick beyond the grasp of the goalkeeper. This historic stadium erupted, not simply in appreciation of the first goal but the unique situation in which it occurred. Wow.

Midfield Contest

The Scottish midfielder was playing like a player inspired. Gannon-Doak seemed dynamic. Scottish danger was evident in attacking with great intensity; the goalkeeper denied from the Danish striker after the opposition striker was sent clean through. The offside flag was raised but he might have survived a further inspection if needed. As a Danish player sent a cross across the Scotland area and the defender deflected effectively from another attacker, the Scots were in a battle to maintain their advantage.

Gannon-Doak had unnerved the Danish team with his speed. It felt a big blow to the manager, at that point, as the player strained when trying to stop a cross. He departed the pitch on a stretcher after only the opening period.

Højlund soon had the ball in the goal but was called for a foul on Aaron Hickey. By the half-hour, Scotland were playing extremely recklessly, a point further emphasised as Hanley deflected a midfielder shot just wide. Yet they made it to the halftime unscathed. They were also denied of a golden chance of a second goal, Rasmus Kristensen smartly fouling McGinn, earning a yellow card, after the midfielder capitalised on Danish carelessness.

Second Half Action

The attacker made Gordon into a quick, down stop within a minute and a half of the second half. If the Scots were going to qualify, the remainder would feel like the long wait since their last World Cup. Given Denmark only needed a draw, the direction of traffic right from the start of the second period felt ominous for the home team. They were managing – partially – in disrupting Denmark offensives but promptly handing the ball back to the players in red.

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

The official originally noticed nothing wrong with Robertson tackle on the winger on the edge of the box. In fact, it appeared the player went down into the ground. After being advised to check by the video assistant referee, the referee awarded the penalty spot. Højlund blasted into the net. On the run of play, the equalizer was the minimum Denmark earned but the hosts had reason to be upset about the decision.

Final Drama

All this thrilling game was missing was a red card. It came on the hour, Kristensen second foul of the night on a marauding midfielder earning another yellow card. Then Clarke made a change by introducing the forwards Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams.

The move was to prove effective. Denmark's defending of an inswinging midfielder corner was disorganized, allowing Shankland to finish. The substitute, brought on for his attacking prowess, showed precisely that. The Danish head coach Brian Riemer, though, had cause to be furious at how simple it was.

The home team had no time to build on their advantage. Within a short time, a Danish player slotted into the net after a teammate laid into his way from close range from the net. On this occasion Scotland were too careless.

Adams flicked a header wide. The midfielder's curling attempt just missed the post. Enter Tierney and a moment worthy to win the game. McLean added gloss: from the midfield, indeed.