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Scotland's national stadium has hosted many historic moments over its rich history since 1903. Add this game to the list. Scotland's protracted absence has ended. The manager, the captain, Scott McTominay, John McGinn; you shall go to the ball. Along with them Kieran Tierney, whose swerving effort from outside the box appeared to sealed the win in a five-goal thriller before Kenny McLean produced an more stunning final goal.

Nearly 30 years of heartache, during which the Scottish men's team have seen the World Cup from a distance, were erased as the Danish team fell to a loss in stoppage time. Adult fans in traditional dress shed tears. Denmark's participation in the next event depends on qualifiers. The coach and a now giddy country can start making concrete plans.

Academics could produce papers on the manner in which the team accomplished this. They appeared finished at points, no more recently than Saturday when falling to defeat in Athens. It was as though fate had decided the Scots had waited long enough for a place in the tournament. The actions of the defender and McLean were remarkable.

The Match Unfolds

The match had apparently opened in tough fashion for Scotland. John Souttar, who had been scheduled to play alongside the centre-back in the back line, was injured in the warm-up. Grant Hanley stepped in. All setback was forgotten within the first few minutes.

This was some of the most spectacular goals scored at Hampden in modern history.

The winger dribbled and dodged on the wing. His lofted pass should have been tricky for the midfielder to handle. He was with his back to goal, for starters. Instead, McTominay propelled himself into the air and landed an scissor kick past the grasp of the goalkeeper. This renowned old place erupted, not just in appreciation of the early lead but the remarkable circumstances in which it arrived. Incredible.

Midfield Struggle

McTominay was playing like a player inspired. The young winger looked dynamic. Scottish danger shone in going on the offensive aggressively; Craig Gordon blocked from Rasmus Højlund after the opposition forward was in alone. The assistant's flag was raised but Højlund may well have been onside a further inspection were it required. As Mikkel Damsgaard flashed a cross across the Scotland area and the defender blocked effectively from another attacker, the Scots were in a fight to keep their advantage.

The winger had panicked the Danes with his pace. It felt a big blow to Clarke, at that point, as the player strained when attempting to stop a cross. He left the pitch on a medical cart after only 20 minutes.

The striker soon had the goal in the goal but was called for a push on the defender. By the half-hour, Scotland were playing extremely recklessly, a point highlighted as the defender deflected a midfielder shot narrowly off target. But they made it to the break unscathed. They were also denied of a excellent opportunity of a two-goal lead, a Danish defender smartly fouling McGinn, receiving a booking, after the player took advantage of opposition slackness.

Second Half Drama

The attacker forced the keeper into a quick, down save within a minute and a half of the second half. If Scotland were going to succeed, the remainder would be like the decades since their last World Cup. Considering the visitors only required a tie, the direction of traffic right from the onset of the half felt threatening for the hosts. They were succeeding – somewhat – in breaking up Denmark offensives but promptly handing the ball right back to the players in the away kit.

As the equaliser came, it came with the hint of cordite attached.

The official originally saw no foul with Robertson tackle on the winger on the angle of the penalty area. Indeed, it seemed Isaksen flung himself into the ground. After being advised to check by the VAR, the referee awarded the penalty spot. Højlund drilled home. On the balance, parity was the minimum Denmark merited but the hosts had reason to be sore about the call.

Late Heroics

The only thing exciting encounter lacked was a dismissal. It came on the 60-minute mark, Kristensen second foul of the night on a marauding midfielder earning a second yellow card. Then the coach twisted by throwing on the forwards one substitute and Che Adams.

The move was to pay dividends. The Danish defending of an inswinging midfielder set piece was disorganized, allowing the striker to score. The Hearts frontman, introduced for his goal-scoring ability, showed exactly that. The Danish head coach Brian Riemer, though, had cause to be upset at how straightforward it was.

The home team had little time to build on their lead. Within moments, Patrick Dorgu slotted into the net after Andreas Christensen passed into his path from close range from goal. This time the defense were too careless.

Adams directed a shot wide. The midfielder's bending shot narrowly went past the upright. Then came Tierney and a goal fit to win the contest. The substitute added gloss: from the center circle, indeed.