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Hampden Park has been the stage for numerous historic occasions over its rich history since 1903. Remember this game to the record. Scotland's extended absence is over. The manager, Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay, John McGinn; they are headed to the tournament. So too the defender, whose bending shot from 22 yards looked like it had clinched the win in a high-scoring affair until Kenny McLean delivered an more stunning clincher.

Almost three decades of disappointment, during which Scotland have observed the global tournament from the sidelines, were erased as the Danish team fell to a loss in added time. Supporters in kilts wept. The Danish participation in the next tournament depends on qualifiers. The coach and a now jubilant country can begin planning solid arrangements.

Researchers could develop papers on the manner in which the team achieved this. They appeared defeated at points, just days before Saturday when falling to a loss in Greece. It was like fate had decreed the Scots had waited long enough for a World Cup return. The contributions of the defender and McLean were remarkable.

The Night Kicks Off

The night had apparently opened in difficult circumstances for the home side. John Souttar, who had been set to partner the centre-back in the back line, was hurt in the warmup. His replacement filled in. Any sense of setback was forgotten in three minutes.

This was some of the most spectacular goals produced at the stadium in living memory.

The winger dribbled and dodged on the right flank. The Bournemouth winger’s arched cross ought to have been challenging for McTominay to control. He was with his back to goal, for starters. Instead, he catapulted himself into the sky and executed an scissor kick beyond the reach of the goalkeeper. This famous old place exploded, not simply in recognition of the first goal but the unique circumstances in which it arrived. Wow.

Game Contest

The Scottish midfielder was performing like a player inspired. Gannon-Doak appeared explosive. The home team's offense resonated in going on the offensive with great intensity; Craig Gordon saved from Rasmus Højlund after the opposition striker was through on goal. The assistant's flag was up but Højlund might have survived a second check were it required. As a Danish player flashed a cross across the Scottish area and McKenna blocked well from Victor Froholdt, the Scots were in a contest to maintain their advantage.

The winger had panicked the Danish team with his speed. It felt a major setback to Clarke, at that point, as the Bournemouth man strained when trying to block a cross. He departed the scene on a medical cart after just the first half.

The striker shortly had the goal in the net but was called for a foul on the defender. By the 30-minute mark, Scotland were living very dangerously, a fact highlighted as Hanley deflected a Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg shot narrowly off target. Yet they reached the break unscathed. They were even denied of a excellent chance of a second goal, Rasmus Kristensen smartly taking out McGinn, earning a booking, after the midfielder took advantage of Danish carelessness.

Second Half Action

The attacker forced Gordon into a smart, low save within the opening moments of the second half. If the Scots were going to qualify, the half would seem like the decades since the tournament. Given Denmark only required a draw, the flow of attacks right from the onset of the second period felt ominous for the hosts. Scotland were managing – partially – in stopping Denmark offensives but promptly handing the ball right back to the players in the away kit.

As the tying goal was scored, it came with the scent of dispute associated.

The referee originally noticed no infringement with the captain's tackle on the winger on the angle of the box. In fact, it seemed Isaksen went down into the ground. After being instructed to review by the VAR, Szymon Marciniak pointed to the spot. Højlund drilled into the net. On the balance, parity was the minimum the away side earned but Scotland had cause to be sore about the circumstances.

Late Action

The only thing thrilling match was missing was a dismissal. It arrived on the 60-minute mark, Kristensen second foul of the match on a marauding McGinn bringing another yellow card. Now Clarke twisted by throwing on the strikers Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams.

The move was to prove effective. The Danish marking of an inswinging Lewis Ferguson set piece was poor, allowing the striker to score. The substitute, brought on for his attacking prowess, showed precisely that. The Danish head coach Brian Riemer, however, had cause to be upset at how straightforward it was.

The home team had little time to extend their advantage. Within three minutes, a Danish player slotted into the net after a teammate passed into his path inside the box from goal. On this occasion Scotland were too lenient.

Adams flicked a shot wide. McGinn bending shot just went past the post. Then came the defender and a moment worthy to deciding the game. The substitute provided the finish: from the midfield, at that.