Hampden Park has hosted many memorable moments over its illustrious history dating back to 1903. Add this game to the record. Scotland's protracted absence is over. The manager, Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay, the playmaker; you shall go to the ball. So too the defender, whose bending strike from 22 yards seemed to have secured victory by the odd goal in five until the substitute executed an still more stunning clincher.
Nearly 27 years of frustration, during which Scotland have watched the World Cup from a distance, were obliterated as Denmark suffered a loss in added time. Supporters in kilts cried. Denmark's participation in the next jamboree hinges on March playoffs. The coach and a suddenly jubilant country can start making solid arrangements.
Academics could develop studies on how on earth Scotland accomplished this. They looked down and out at times, just days before Saturday when suffering defeat in Greece. It was like destiny had predetermined the Scots had waited long enough for a return to the World Cup. The contributions of the defender and the midfielder were incredible.
The Night Kicks Off
The evening had supposedly started in tough circumstances for the home side. The defender, who had been set to play alongside Scott McKenna in central defence, was hurt in the warmup. His replacement filled in. All problem was banished in three minutes.
It was some of the most amazing strikes scored at the stadium in recent times.
The winger maneuvered on the right. The Bournemouth winger’s lofted delivery was expected to be difficult for McTominay to navigate. He was with his back to goal, initially. Rather, McTominay catapulted himself into the air and planted an bicycle kick past the grasp of the goalkeeper. This famous old place erupted, not just in acknowledgment of the first goal but the unique context in which it occurred. Wow.
Midfield Struggle
McTominay was performing like a driven individual. Gannon-Doak seemed dynamic. Scottish offense resonated in attacking with great intensity; Craig Gordon saved from Rasmus Højlund after the opposition forward was through on goal. The offside flag was raised but Højlund may well have been onside a second check if needed. As Mikkel Damsgaard sent a ball across the Scottish area and McKenna deflected effectively from another attacker, the home side were in a fight to keep their advantage.
The winger had unnerved the Danish team with his speed. It felt a big loss to Clarke, at that point, as the player strained when trying to stop a cross. He departed the scene on a stretcher after just 20 minutes.
The striker soon had the goal in the goal but was penalised for a foul on the defender. By the half-hour, Scotland were living very dangerously, a fact highlighted as Hanley deflected a Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg shot just wide. Yet Scotland made it to the break without conceding. They were also robbed of a golden chance of a second goal, Rasmus Kristensen smartly taking out McGinn, receiving a booking, after the midfielder took advantage of Danish slackness.
Final Period Action
Højlund forced Gordon into a sharp, low stop within the opening moments of the second half. If Scotland were going to succeed, 45 minutes would feel like the long wait since their last World Cup. Considering the visitors only needed a draw, the flow of attacks from the onset of the second period felt ominous for the home team. Scotland were succeeding – somewhat – in disrupting Denmark attacks but promptly giving the ball back to the players in red.
As the tying goal was scored, it came with the hint of cordite involved.
The official originally saw nothing wrong with Robertson tackle on the winger on the edge of the penalty area. Indeed, it seemed Isaksen flung himself into the air. After being advised to look again by the VAR, the referee awarded the spot. Højlund drilled into the net. On the run of play, parity was the minimum the away side earned but Scotland had reason to be sore about the call.
Late Heroics
The only thing exciting match lacked was a sending off. It arrived on the 60-minute mark, the defender's another infraction of the match on a attacking McGinn bringing a second yellow card. Now Clarke twisted by throwing on the forwards one substitute and another.
This decision was to pay dividends. The Danish defending of an curling Lewis Ferguson set piece was poor, letting Shankland to strike. The Hearts frontman, introduced for his predatory instinct, demonstrated precisely that. The opposition manager Brian Riemer, though, had cause to be upset at how straightforward it was.
The home team had no time to extend their lead. In moments, a Danish player slotted home after Andreas Christensen passed into his way from close range from the net. On this occasion Scotland were too generous.
The striker directed a shot off target. McGinn bending attempt narrowly missed the upright. Enter Tierney and a strike fit to deciding the contest. McLean provided the finish: from the midfield, indeed.
