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Scotland's national stadium has hosted numerous historic moments throughout its rich history dating back to 1903. Add this game to the annals. The Scottish long absence has ended. The manager, Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay, John McGinn; you shall go to the ball. So too Kieran Tierney, whose bending strike from distance looked like it had secured the win in a high-scoring affair until the substitute executed an still more breathtaking final goal.

Nearly 27 years of heartache, during which Scotland have observed the global tournament from the sidelines, were erased as the Danish team fell to a loss in stoppage time. Supporters in kilts wept. The Danish qualification in next summer’s jamboree depends on playoff matches. Clarke and a now giddy football nation can prepare concrete arrangements.

Researchers could develop papers on how on earth Scotland accomplished this. They appeared down and out at times, just days before the weekend when suffering a loss in Athens. It was as though someone, somewhere had decided the Scottish team had waited long enough for a World Cup return. The contributions of Tierney and the midfielder were extraordinary.

The Game Unfolds

The match had reportedly opened in tough fashion for the home side. John Souttar, who had been due to play alongside Scott McKenna in central defence, was hurt in the warm-up. Grant Hanley took his place. All problem was banished in the first few minutes.

It was some of the most amazing finishes scored at Hampden in recent times.

Ben Gannon-Doak dribbled and dodged on the wing. His floated delivery ought to have been difficult for the midfielder to navigate. He was with his back to goal, for starters. Rather, he launched himself into the sky and planted an overhead kick beyond the reach of Kasper Schmeichel. This historic venue exploded, not simply in acknowledgment of the early lead but the remarkable circumstances in which it came. Incredible.

Midfield Battle

McTominay was playing like a player inspired. Gannon-Doak looked dynamic. The home team's danger shone in going on the offensive too ferociously; the goalkeeper saved from the Danish striker after the Denmark forward was through on goal. The offside flag was raised but he could have been onside a second check if it had been necessary. As Mikkel Damsgaard sent a ball across the Scottish goal and McKenna blocked well from another attacker, the home side were in a battle to hold their lead.

Gannon-Doak had unnerved the Danes with his quickness. It felt a major setback to the manager, at that point, as the Bournemouth man overstretched when trying to stop a cross. He left the field on a stretcher after just 20 minutes.

Højlund soon had the goal in the net but was flagged for a push on Aaron Hickey. By the 30-minute mark, the team were playing far too recklessly, a point underscored as the defender deflected a Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg drive just off target. Yet they made it to the break without conceding. They were even denied of a great 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

Højlund made Gordon into a sharp, low stop within a minute and a half of the second half. If the Scots were going to do this, the remainder would seem like the long wait since World Cup participation. Given Denmark only needed a tie, the flow of traffic right from the onset of the second period felt ominous for the home team. Scotland were managing – to a point – in stopping Denmark attacks but promptly handing the possession back to those in the away kit.

When the equaliser was scored, it came with the hint of dispute attached.

The official initially saw nothing wrong with the captain's tackle on the winger on the edge of the box. Indeed, it seemed the player dived into the ground. After being instructed to check by the video assistant referee, the referee awarded the penalty spot. Højlund blasted into the net. On the overall play, parity was the least the away side merited but the hosts had cause to be sore about the call.

Final Heroics

All this action-packed game lacked was a sending off. It arrived on the hour, the defender's another infraction of the match on a attacking McGinn bringing a second caution. Then Clarke made a change by throwing on the strikers Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams.

This decision was to work out. Denmark's marking of an curling Lewis Ferguson set piece was disorganized, letting the striker to score. The Hearts frontman, introduced for his goal-scoring ability, demonstrated exactly that. The Danish head coach Brian Riemer, however, had cause to be furious at how straightforward it was.

The home team had no time to extend their advantage. Within a short time, Patrick Dorgu stroked into the net after Andreas Christensen laid into his way inside the box from the net. On this occasion the defense were too careless.

Adams flicked a shot off target. The midfielder's bending attempt narrowly went past the post. Then came the defender and a strike capable of deciding the game. The substitute sealed it: from the midfield, no less.