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Hampden Park has been the stage for numerous unforgettable events over its illustrious history dating back to 1903. Include this match to the record. The Scottish protracted wait is over. The manager, the captain, Scott McTominay, the playmaker; they are headed to the tournament. Along with them the defender, whose curling strike from distance seemed to have clinched success in a five-goal thriller until the substitute produced an even more spectacular fourth.

Nearly 27 years of heartache, during which Scotland have seen men’s World Cups from afar, were wiped away as the Danish team fell to defeat in added time. Adult fans in kilts wept. Denmark's qualification in the next tournament depends on playoff matches. The coach and a suddenly jubilant Scottish football community can begin planning solid arrangements.

Academics could write papers on how on earth Scotland accomplished this. They appeared down and out at moments, just days before Saturday when suffering a loss in Greece. It was as though destiny had decided the Scots had waited quite enough for a return to the World Cup. The interventions of the defender and the midfielder were incredible.

The Match Kicks Off

The evening had reportedly opened in challenging fashion for the home side. John Souttar, who had been set to partner Scott McKenna in central defence, was hurt in the pregame. His replacement filled in. Any sense of problem was banished within the first few minutes.

This was one of the most amazing goals delivered at the stadium in living memory.

The winger maneuvered on the right flank. His floated pass should have been difficult for McTominay to handle. He was facing away from goal, to begin with. Instead, he launched himself into the air and landed an scissor kick beyond the reach of Kasper Schmeichel. This famous venue roared, not simply in acknowledgment of the early lead but the remarkable situation in which it arrived. Incredible.

Midfield Struggle

The Scottish midfielder was playing like a player inspired. Gannon-Doak appeared explosive. The home team's threat was evident in pushing forward aggressively; the goalkeeper denied from Rasmus Højlund after the opposition forward was sent clean through. The assistant's flag was up but Højlund may well have been onside a VAR review if needed. As a Danish player sent a ball across the Scottish area and the defender blocked well from Victor Froholdt, the Scots were in a contest to maintain their lead.

The winger had rattled the Danish team with his speed. It felt a big loss to Clarke, then, as the player overstretched when trying to stop a pass. He left the scene on a stretcher after only 20 minutes.

The striker shortly had the goal in the net but was flagged for a push on Aaron Hickey. By the 30-minute mark, the team were living far too recklessly, a point further emphasised as Hanley deflected a midfielder shot just off target. But they reached the halftime still ahead. They were even robbed of a excellent chance of a second goal, Rasmus Kristensen smartly fouling McGinn, receiving a yellow card, after the midfielder took advantage of Danish mistakes.

Final Period Excitement

Højlund made the keeper into a quick, low save in 90 seconds of the second half. If Scotland were going to qualify, the remainder would feel like the long wait since World Cup participation. Given the visitors only needed a draw, the flow of attacks right from the start of the half felt worrying for the home team. They were managing – partially – in disrupting Denmark attacks but immediately giving the ball back to those in the away kit.

As the tying goal was scored, it came with the hint of cordite attached.

The referee initially noticed no infringement with the captain's challenge on the winger on the edge of the penalty area. Indeed, it appeared the player went down into the air. After being advised to look again by the video assistant referee, the referee pointed to the penalty spot. The striker smashed home. On the balance, parity was the least the away side earned but Scotland had reason to be sore about the circumstances.

Late Heroics

The only thing thrilling encounter lacked was a red card. It arrived on the 60-minute mark, the defender's another infraction of the night on a attacking McGinn bringing another yellow card. Then Clarke twisted by throwing on the strikers one substitute and Che Adams.

This decision was to pay dividends. The Danish defending of an curling midfielder set piece was disorganized, letting the striker to strike. The Hearts frontman, introduced for his attacking prowess, demonstrated exactly that. The Danish head coach Brian Riemer, however, had cause to be angry at how easy it was.

The home team had little time to extend their advantage. In a short time, a Danish player stroked home after a teammate passed into his path from close range from the net. This time Scotland were overly lenient.

The striker directed a shot off target. McGinn bending attempt just missed the post. Enter Tierney and a goal capable of win any match. The substitute provided the finish: from the halfway line, indeed.