Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean Send Scotland to FIFA World Cup with Thrilling Triumph Against Denmark

Scotland's national stadium has been the stage for many historic occasions over its rich history since 1903. Add this one to the record. The Scottish protracted wait is over. Steve Clarke, the captain, Scott McTominay, the playmaker; they are headed to the tournament. So too Kieran Tierney, whose curling shot from distance seemed to have secured success by the odd goal in five until the substitute produced an even more spectacular final goal.

Nearly 30 years of disappointment, during which Scotland have observed the global tournament from afar, were erased as the Danish team suffered a loss in injury time. Grown men in kilts wept. Denmark's participation in the next tournament rests on playoff matches. Clarke and a now giddy football nation can start making solid arrangements.

Academics could write studies on how on earth Scotland pulled off this. They seemed defeated at times, no more recently than the weekend when falling to defeat in Greece. It was almost as if fate had predetermined the Scots had waited long enough for a return to the World Cup. The interventions of Tierney and the midfielder were remarkable.

The Game Kicks Off

The evening had apparently started in difficult fashion for the home side. John Souttar, who had been scheduled to partner the centre-back in central defence, was injured in the warm-up. His replacement filled in. All problem was forgotten in the opening moments.

It was some of the most amazing finishes delivered at the stadium in modern history.

The winger dribbled and dodged on the right flank. The Bournemouth winger’s arched delivery should have been tricky for McTominay to control. He was facing away from goal, initially. Rather, McTominay launched himself into the air and executed an scissor kick beyond the grasp of Kasper Schmeichel. This historic venue erupted, not just in acknowledgment of the opening goal but the special circumstances in which it occurred. Incredible.

Game Battle

McTominay was playing like a driven individual. The young winger seemed electric. Scottish threat resonated in pushing forward too ferociously; the goalkeeper denied from the Danish striker after the Denmark striker was in alone. The assistant's flag was up but Højlund could have been onside a further inspection if it had been necessary. As a Danish player flashed a cross across the Scotland area and McKenna deflected well from another attacker, the home side were in a fight to hold their advantage.

Gannon-Doak had rattled the Danish team with his quickness. It felt a big blow to Clarke, at that point, as the player overstretched when attempting to stop a pass. He departed the pitch on a stretcher after just 20 minutes.

The striker shortly had the goal in the net but was called for a push on Aaron Hickey. By the 30-minute mark, the team were living extremely recklessly, a fact underscored as Hanley deflected a midfielder shot just off target. Yet Scotland reached the halftime without conceding. They were even denied of a golden opportunity of a additional goal, Rasmus Kristensen smartly fouling McGinn, receiving a booking, after the player capitalised on Danish slackness.

Second Half Drama

The attacker made the keeper into a sharp, down stop in a minute and a half of the second half. If Scotland were going to qualify, 45 minutes would feel like the 27 years since the tournament. Given the visitors only needed a tie, the flow of attacks right from the onset of the second period felt worrying for the home team. They were managing – partially – in stopping Denmark offensives but immediately giving the ball right back to those in red.

When the tying goal came, it came with the hint of controversy attached.

The official originally saw no infringement with the captain's tackle on Gustav Isaksen on the edge of the penalty area. In fact, it seemed Isaksen flung himself into the air. After being advised to review by the video assistant referee, Szymon Marciniak pointed to the penalty spot. Højlund drilled into the net. On the balance, the equalizer was the minimum the away side deserved but Scotland had cause to be sore about the decision.

Final Action

The only thing exciting match lacked was a dismissal. It arrived on the hour, the defender's second foul of the night on a attacking McGinn earning another caution. Now the coach made a change by introducing the forwards one substitute and Che Adams.

This decision was to prove effective. Denmark's marking of an inswinging Lewis Ferguson set piece was shambolic, letting Shankland to score. The substitute, introduced for his attacking prowess, demonstrated exactly that. The opposition manager the coach, however, had reason to be angry at how straightforward it was.

The home team had no time to build on their lead. In moments, a Danish player slotted into the net after a teammate passed into his path 12 yards from the net. On this occasion Scotland were overly generous.

Adams directed a header off target. The midfielder's bending shot just went past the upright. Then came Tierney and a moment capable of deciding any match. McLean provided the finish: from the midfield, indeed.