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Scotland's national stadium has been the stage for countless unforgettable events over its rich history dating back to 1903. Include this match to the annals. The Scottish extended absence is over. Steve Clarke, Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay, John McGinn; you shall go to the ball. Along with them Kieran Tierney, whose swerving shot from outside the box appeared to clinched success in a high-scoring affair until Kenny McLean executed an more stunning final goal.

Nearly 27 years of heartache, during which the Scottish men's team have watched men’s World Cups from the sidelines, were wiped away as the Danish team fell to defeat in stoppage time. Supporters in kilts shed tears. Denmark's qualification in next summer’s event hinges on playoff matches. Clarke and a suddenly giddy Scottish football community can begin planning solid plans.

Researchers could produce work on the manner in which Scotland pulled off this. They appeared finished at points, no more recently than Saturday when suffering defeat in Greece. It was like someone, somewhere had decreed the Scots had waited long enough for a World Cup return. The actions of the defender and McLean were remarkable.

The Match Kicks Off

The match had apparently started in challenging fashion for the home side. John Souttar, who had been due to partner the centre-back in the back line, was injured in the warm-up. Grant Hanley filled in. All problem was banished within the first few minutes.

This was some of the most wondrous goals produced at Hampden in recent times.

The winger dribbled and dodged on the right flank. His floated cross ought to have been difficult for McTominay to control. He was facing away from the net, for starters. Rather, he propelled himself into the air and landed an scissor kick past the reach of the goalkeeper. This renowned venue exploded, not just in recognition of the opening goal but the remarkable context in which it occurred. Wow.

Midfield Struggle

The Scottish midfielder was playing like a player inspired. Gannon-Doak seemed electric. The home team's offense resonated in attacking too ferociously; Craig Gordon denied from the Danish striker after the opposition forward was through on goal. The assistant's flag was up but Højlund may well have been onside a second check if needed. As a Danish player sent a ball across the Scottish area and McKenna deflected well from Victor Froholdt, the home side were in a fight to keep their lead.

The winger had rattled the Danish team with his speed. It felt a major setback to Clarke, at that point, as the Bournemouth man overstretched when attempting to block a cross. He departed the field on a medical cart after only the first half.

The striker shortly had the goal in the goal but was flagged for a push on the defender. By the 30-minute mark, Scotland were playing extremely dangerously, a point highlighted as Hanley deflected a midfielder shot narrowly wide. Yet Scotland reached the break without conceding. They were even robbed of a excellent opportunity of a second goal, a Danish defender cleverly taking out McGinn, receiving a yellow card, after the midfielder took advantage of opposition carelessness.

Final Period Action

Højlund forced the keeper into a sharp, low save within the opening moments of the second half. If the Scots were going to qualify, the remainder would feel like the 27 years since World Cup participation. Given the visitors only required a draw, the direction of attacks from the onset of the half felt ominous for the hosts. They were succeeding – to a point – in stopping Danish offensives but promptly handing the ball back to the players in red.

When the equaliser arrived, it came with the hint of cordite attached.

The official initially saw no foul with the captain's challenge on Gustav Isaksen on the angle of the penalty area. Indeed, it appeared the player went down into the ground. After being instructed to review by the video assistant referee, the referee awarded the spot. Højlund drilled into the net. On the overall play, parity was the minimum Denmark merited but the hosts had reason to be sore about the decision.

Final Drama

The only thing action-packed encounter lacked was a red card. It arrived on the hour, Kristensen second foul of the match on a marauding McGinn bringing another caution. Then Clarke made a change by throwing on the strikers one substitute and Che Adams.

This decision was to pay dividends. Denmark's defending of an curling midfielder set piece was disorganized, allowing the striker to finish. The substitute, introduced for his goal-scoring ability, showed precisely that. The opposition manager the coach, though, had cause to be furious at how straightforward it was.

Scotland had little time to build on their lead. Within a short time, Patrick Dorgu slotted into the net after a teammate laid into his way from close range from goal. This time Scotland were overly lenient.

Adams directed a shot off target. McGinn curling shot just missed the post. Enter Tierney and a goal fit to deciding the contest. McLean sealed it: from the center circle, indeed.