Scotland have qualified for the World Cup after a dramatic and thrilling 4-2 win over Denmark.
An epic tussle at the national stadium saw Scotland score stunning goals, lead twice before being pegged back, and finally enjoy two huge moments that put the seal on a return to the world’s biggest stage.
Scott McTominay gave Scotland an early lead with a sensational overhead kick before Rasmus Hojlund levelled from the spot.
Lawrence Shankland restored Scotland’s lead with a close range finish but Patrick Dorgu’s composed finish made it 2-2.
Scotland saw time running out but threw everything at the game, and Kieran Tierney scored what looked to be an incredible winner three minutes into injury time. But there was further joy for the Tartan Army when Kenny McLean scored from his own half to make it 4-2 and ensure that Scotland will be in the World Cup draw in December.
Steve Clarke had opted to make two changes from the side that lost in Greece on Saturday, bringing in Scott McKenna and Lyndon Dykes for Grant Hanley and Che Adams in his initial line-up. However, an injury to John Souttar in the warm-up brought Hanley back into the side.
In the build-up to the match, the head coach had spoken about the need for the Tartan Army to get behind the team from the first minute and to help the players deliver “something special”.
After a rousing national anthem, the crowd were ready for a night to remember and were treated to a great Hampden moment after just three minutes.
Scotland were on the front foot and enjoying possession on the right-hand side before Ben Gannon Doak put a cross into the box. McTominay anticipated the delivery, leapt high and executed a perfect bicycle kick with the power to leave Kasper Schmeichel as an onlooker as the ball found the bottom corner of the net.
That one moment shifted the balance of the whole campaign and left Denmark as the side chasing a goal. They picked themselves up quickly and soon began showing why they were the top seeds and favourites to win the group, with McKenna forced into two important blocks in as many minutes.
Scotland suffered a second injury blow when Gannon Doak, who had been a constant lively presence in carrying the attack, went down injured and after lengthy treatment he was stretchered off to be replaced by Kenny McLean.
When the action started back, there was a hearts-in-mouths moment when Rasmus Hojlund collected a high ball and lashed a powerful finish past Craig Gordon, only for his goal to be ruled out for a push on Aaron Hickey.
That moment was the first of a spell of sustained pressure from the Danes and Scotland on the back foot. That proved to be the pattern for the remainder of the half, with the hosts defending resolutely and looking to break when possible.
Immediately after the restart, Hojlund had another chance, drilling in a low shot that forced Gordon into an outstanding save to turn around the post.
After 53 minutes there was a huge moment as Andy Robertson challenged Gustav Isaksen on the edge of the box. When the ball went out of play a lengthy, tortuous wait for a VAR decision ensued. Referee Szymon Marciniak went to the screen before awarding a spot kick.
Hojlund took responsibility from 12 yards and smashed his penalty beyond Gordon to make it 1-1.
Moments after that blow, the tide seemed to turn in Scotland’s favour. John McGinn turned Rasmus Kristensen and when he fouled the Scotland midfielder, he saw a second yellow card, and a red. As the Danes reorganised, Clarke made an attacking move by bringing on strikers Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams for Ryan Christie and Lyndon Dykes.
Even with a numerical disadvantage, Denmark held possession effectively and Scotland chances were scarce as the clocked ticked on and Hampden grew increasingly nervy.
With less than 15 minutes to go there was a half-chance when a long throw allowed Lewis Ferguson a half chance and it sparked optimism in the crowd. A corner moments later saw the stadium erupt.
Ferguson swung in the corner and Shankland was right in the centre of the goal to stab home and put the Scots ahead again.
Four minutes later, ten-man Denmark equalised. Scotland couldn’t clear a ball into the box and it fell to Patrick Dorgu who slotted a composed finish into the bottom corner.
Scotland heads didn’t go down and another corner was forced, cleared and a second chance saw Adams head wide.
McGinn then went close when he cut in from the right and curled a left-footed shot just inches wide.
Things grew desperate as the game entered five minutes of injury time but there was still a flash of glorious drama to come.
As Scotland threw everyone forward a cross into the box was headed out and Kieran Tierney hit a perfect left-foot shot past his club team mate Schmeichel to put his side 3-2 in front and within touching distance of the World Cup.
Denmark, no longer affected by the cramp that had felled a few players before the goal, pressed forward but after an attack was cleared, McLean found himself with the ball just inside his half with Schmeichel racing back towards his own goal.
The midfielder took a touch and let fly from just behind the halfway line with a perfectly judged shot that bounced over the line and sealed a historic return to the World Cup for Scotland.
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