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Scotland's national stadium has witnessed countless memorable events over its illustrious history since 1903. Remember this match to the list. The Scottish extended wait has ended. The manager, Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay, the playmaker; they will be at the World Cup. So too the defender, whose swerving effort from 22 yards seemed to have secured the win by the odd goal in five before Kenny McLean executed an still more stunning clincher.

Almost 30 years of frustration, during which Scotland have seen the global tournament from afar, were wiped away as the Danish team fell to a loss in injury time. Grown men in kilts wept. Denmark's participation in the upcoming jamboree rests on qualifiers. Clarke and a now jubilant Scottish football community can prepare definite arrangements.

Researchers could produce papers on the manner in which Scotland accomplished this. They appeared defeated at points, as recently as Saturday when falling to a loss in Greece. It was almost as if fate had decided the Scots had endured sufficient for a return to the World Cup. The interventions of Tierney and McLean were incredible.

The Game Unfolds

The match had apparently opened in challenging fashion for the home side. John Souttar, who had been due to play alongside the centre-back in the back line, was hurt in the warm-up. Grant Hanley took his place. Any sense of disruption was forgotten in the opening moments.

This was among the most wondrous strikes delivered at the stadium in modern history.

The winger jinked and weaved on the wing. His floated delivery was expected to be difficult for McTominay to navigate. He was with his back to goal, initially. Rather, McTominay catapulted himself into the sky and planted an overhead kick past the reach of Kasper Schmeichel. This historic stadium roared, not simply in recognition of the early lead but the special situation in which it arrived. Amazing.

Midfield Battle

McTominay was performing like a man possessed. Gannon-Doak seemed dynamic. Scottish threat shone in pushing forward with great intensity; the goalkeeper blocked from the Danish striker after the Denmark forward was through on goal. The assistant's flag was raised but he could have been onside a VAR review if needed. As a Danish player flashed a cross across the Scottish goal and McKenna deflected well from Victor Froholdt, the home side were in a contest to keep their lead.

The winger had panicked the Danish team with his quickness. It felt a major blow to Clarke, then, as the Bournemouth man strained when attempting to block a cross. He departed the scene on a stretcher after only 20 minutes.

The striker soon had the goal in the net but was called for a push on the defender. By the half-hour, Scotland were living far too on the edge, a point underscored as the defender deflected a midfielder shot narrowly wide. But Scotland reached the break still ahead. They were even robbed of a great opportunity of a two-goal lead, Rasmus Kristensen cleverly fouling the midfielder, receiving a yellow card, after the player capitalised on Danish slackness.

Final Period Drama

Højlund forced Gordon into a smart, down stop in 90 seconds of the second half. If the Scots were going to qualify, the half would be like the decades since their last World Cup. Given Denmark only required a draw, the flow of traffic right from the onset of the half felt ominous for the home team. They were managing – partially – in disrupting Danish attacks but promptly handing the ball back to those in the away kit.

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

The official initially noticed no infringement with the captain's tackle on Gustav Isaksen on the edge of the penalty area. In fact, it seemed the player went down into the ground. After being advised to check by the VAR, Szymon Marciniak awarded the penalty spot. The striker blasted home. On the balance, the equalizer was the least Denmark earned but the hosts had reason to be upset about the decision.

Final Drama

The only thing exciting encounter lacked was a sending off. It came on the hour, the defender's second foul of the night on a attacking midfielder earning another caution. Then the coach twisted by bringing on the forwards one substitute and another.

This decision was to work out. Denmark's defending of an inswinging Lewis Ferguson set piece was shambolic, allowing the striker to score. The substitute, introduced for his attacking prowess, showed exactly that. The Danish head coach Brian Riemer, however, had cause to be furious at how easy it was.

Scotland had little time to extend their lead. In moments, a Danish player placed into the net after a teammate laid into his path from close range from goal. This time the defense were too careless.

Adams flicked a header wide. McGinn curling shot narrowly missed the upright. Then came Tierney and a goal capable of deciding the game. McLean provided the finish: from the midfield, no less.