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Hampden Park has witnessed countless unforgettable moments over its illustrious history since 1903. Add this match to the annals. Scotland's protracted absence has ended. The manager, Andy Robertson, the midfielder, John McGinn; they will be at the World Cup. So too the defender, whose swerving strike from distance appeared to secured victory in a high-scoring affair before the substitute executed an still more stunning final goal.

Nearly 30 years of disappointment, during which Scotland have seen the global tournament from the sidelines, were obliterated as the Danish team suffered defeat in added time. Grown men in traditional dress cried. Denmark's qualification in next summer’s tournament rests on qualifiers. Clarke and a now jubilant country can begin planning concrete plans.

Academics could produce work on the manner in which Scotland pulled off this. They seemed down and out at points, no more recently than Saturday when falling to a loss in Athens. It was almost as if someone, somewhere had predetermined the Scottish team had waited long enough for a return to the World Cup. The interventions of Tierney and McLean were remarkable.

The Match Unfolds

The evening had apparently started in challenging circumstances for the home side. The defender, who had been set to play alongside Scott McKenna in defense, was hurt in the pregame. Grant Hanley took his place. All problem was dispelled in the opening moments.

It was among the most wondrous goals produced at Hampden in modern history.

Ben Gannon-Doak maneuvered on the right flank. The Bournemouth winger’s floated cross was expected to be challenging for the midfielder to control. He was with his back to the net, to begin with. Instead, McTominay launched himself into the sky and executed an scissor kick past the reach of the goalkeeper. This historic old place roared, not just in appreciation of the opening goal but the special context in which it came. Incredible.

Midfield Battle

The Scottish midfielder was playing like a driven individual. The young winger appeared dynamic. The home team's offense shone in going on the offensive with great intensity; Craig Gordon saved from the Danish striker after the Denmark forward was sent clean through. The assistant's flag was raised but he may well have survived a second check if needed. As a Danish player sent a ball across the Scotland goal and McKenna blocked effectively from another attacker, the Scots were in a battle to maintain their advantage.

The winger had rattled the Danes with his pace. It felt a major blow to Clarke, at that point, as the player strained when trying to block a cross. He left the field on a medical cart after just the first half.

Højlund shortly had the ball in the net but was called for a push on the defender. By the half-hour, Scotland were living far too dangerously, a point underscored as the defender turned a midfielder drive just off target. Yet Scotland reached the halftime without conceding. They were even denied of a great chance of a additional goal, Rasmus Kristensen smartly fouling McGinn, earning a booking, after the midfielder took advantage of opposition mistakes.

Second Half Drama

Højlund made the keeper into a sharp, low save within 90 seconds of the second half. If Scotland were going to do this, the remainder would be like the 27 years since World Cup participation. Given Denmark only required a tie, the flow of play from the start of the half felt threatening for the hosts. Scotland were managing – partially – in stopping Denmark offensives but promptly handing the ball right back to the players in red.

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

The official originally noticed no foul with Robertson tackle on the winger on the edge of the penalty area. In fact, it seemed Isaksen went down into the ground. After being advised to review by the VAR, Szymon Marciniak awarded the spot. Højlund drilled into the net. On the run of play, the equalizer was the least the away side deserved but the hosts had cause to be angry about the call.

Late Drama

All this exciting match lacked was a red card. It arrived on the 60-minute mark, Kristensen second foul of the night on a attacking midfielder earning another yellow card. Now Clarke twisted by introducing the strikers one substitute and Che Adams.

The move was to pay dividends. The Danish marking of an curling midfielder set piece was poor, letting the striker to strike. The Hearts frontman, introduced for his predatory instinct, demonstrated exactly that. The opposition manager Brian Riemer, though, had cause to be angry at how straightforward it was.

Scotland had no time to extend their lead. In moments, Patrick Dorgu slotted home after a teammate laid into his way from close range from goal. On this occasion Scotland were overly careless.

The striker directed a header wide. McGinn bending shot just went past the post. Enter Tierney and a moment fit to win any match. McLean added gloss: from the halfway line, at that.