🔗 Share this article

Scotland's national stadium has been the stage for many unforgettable occasions throughout its illustrious history since 1903. Include this match to the annals. Scotland's extended drought has concluded. The manager, the captain, the midfielder, the playmaker; you shall go to the ball. Along with them Kieran Tierney, whose swerving strike from outside the box seemed to have secured success in a high-scoring affair before the substitute delivered an even more stunning clincher.

Almost 30 years of frustration, during which the Scottish men's team have watched the global tournament from afar, were erased as the Danish team fell to defeat in stoppage time. Grown men in kilts shed tears. The Danish qualification in next summer’s tournament hinges on qualifiers. The coach and a suddenly jubilant Scottish football community can prepare definite plans.

PhD students could produce papers on the manner in which the team accomplished this. They seemed finished at points, as recently as the weekend when falling to defeat in Greece. It was almost as if someone, somewhere had decided the Scots had endured sufficient for a place in the tournament. The actions of the defender and the midfielder were incredible.

The Game Kicks Off

The match had apparently started in tough circumstances for the home side. The defender, who had been due to partner Scott McKenna in central defence, was hurt in the warm-up. His replacement stepped in. All setback was dispelled in the first few minutes.

It was one of the most wondrous finishes produced at the stadium in recent times.

The winger maneuvered on the right flank. His lofted pass should have been challenging for the midfielder to handle. He was facing away from goal, initially. Instead, he launched himself into the sky and planted an bicycle kick past the reach of Kasper Schmeichel. This historic stadium roared, not simply in recognition of the early lead but the remarkable situation in which it occurred. Wow.

Midfield Struggle

The Scottish midfielder was playing like a man possessed. Gannon-Doak appeared dynamic. The home team's danger shone in going on the offensive too ferociously; Craig Gordon blocked from the Danish striker after the Denmark striker was through on goal. The offside flag was raised but Højlund may well have survived a further inspection if it had been necessary. As a Danish player sent a cross across the Scottish goal and the defender deflected effectively from Victor Froholdt, the Scots were in a contest to hold their advantage.

The winger had panicked the Danes with his speed. It felt a big setback to the manager, then, as the Bournemouth man overstretched when attempting to block a cross. He left the pitch on a stretcher after just the first half.

The striker soon had the goal in the goal but was flagged for a push on Aaron Hickey. By the 30-minute mark, Scotland were living extremely on the edge, a fact further emphasised as the defender deflected a Pierre‑Emile Højbjerg drive narrowly off target. Yet Scotland reached the halftime without conceding. They were also robbed of a excellent opportunity of a second goal, Rasmus Kristensen smartly taking out McGinn, earning a yellow card, after the player took advantage of Danish carelessness.

Final Period Action

Højlund forced Gordon into a quick, low stop in the opening moments of the restart. If the Scots were going to do this, the remainder would be like the long wait since the tournament. Given Denmark only required a tie, the flow of attacks from the onset of the second period felt ominous for the hosts. Scotland were succeeding – somewhat – in stopping Denmark attacks but immediately handing the possession back to those in red.

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

The referee originally saw no infringement with Robertson tackle on the winger on the angle of the penalty area. In fact, it appeared Isaksen flung himself into the air. After being instructed to check by the video assistant referee, the referee awarded the penalty spot. The striker smashed home. On the balance, parity was the minimum the away side deserved but Scotland had cause to be sore about the decision.

Final Heroics

All this exciting game was missing was a sending off. It arrived on the hour, Kristensen second foul of the match on a marauding McGinn bringing another caution. Now Clarke twisted by bringing on the forwards one substitute and Che Adams.

This decision was to pay dividends. Denmark's marking of an inswinging Lewis Ferguson corner was disorganized, allowing Shankland to finish. The Hearts frontman, brought on for his attacking prowess, showed exactly that. The opposition manager the coach, though, had cause to be upset at how easy it was.

The home team had no time to build on their advantage. In a short time, a Danish player placed home after a teammate laid into his way from close range from goal. This time the defense were overly lenient.

Adams flicked a shot off target. The midfielder's bending shot narrowly went past the post. Then came the defender and a goal fit to win the contest. The substitute provided the finish: from the center circle, indeed.