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Scotland's national stadium has witnessed many memorable moments over its long history dating back to 1903. Remember this one to the annals. The Scottish protracted drought has ended. The manager, Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay, the playmaker; you shall go to the ball. Along with them the defender, whose swerving effort from 22 yards appeared to sealed success by the odd goal in five until the substitute produced an still more stunning clincher.

Nearly three decades of heartache, during which Scotland have seen the World Cup from a distance, were wiped away as the Danish team fell to a loss in injury time. Supporters in kilts shed tears. Denmark's participation in next summer’s tournament hinges on March playoffs. Clarke and a now giddy country can start making definite plans.

Academics could write studies on how on earth the team accomplished this. They appeared defeated at points, no more recently than the weekend when suffering defeat in Greece. It was almost as if destiny had decided the Scots had endured sufficient for a place in the tournament. The actions of the defender and the midfielder were remarkable.

The Night Begins

The night had reportedly started in challenging circumstances for Scotland. John Souttar, who had been scheduled to partner Scott McKenna in defense, was hurt in the pregame. Grant Hanley filled in. All problem was banished within the opening moments.

This was some of the most spectacular finishes scored at the stadium in recent times.

Ben Gannon-Doak jinked and weaved on the right. His arched delivery should have been difficult for the midfielder to navigate. He was facing away from the net, to begin with. Instead, he propelled himself into the sky and landed an scissor kick beyond the reach of the goalkeeper. This historic stadium roared, not simply in acknowledgment of the first goal but the unique situation in which it arrived. Wow.

Game Struggle

The Scottish midfielder was playing like a driven individual. The young winger looked electric. The home team's offense was evident in pushing forward with great intensity; the goalkeeper saved from the Danish striker after the Denmark forward was sent clean through. The offside flag was up but he might have survived a second check if needed. As Mikkel Damsgaard flashed a cross across the Scottish goal and McKenna blocked well from Victor Froholdt, the home side were in a battle to hold their lead.

Gannon-Doak had rattled the Danish team with his quickness. It felt a significant setback to the manager, then, as the Bournemouth man overstretched when trying to block a pass. He left the field on a stretcher after only the first half.

The striker shortly had the goal in the goal but was penalised for a foul on the defender. By the half-hour, Scotland were playing far too recklessly, a fact highlighted as the defender deflected a midfielder drive narrowly wide. Yet Scotland reached the halftime still ahead. They were also robbed of a great opportunity of a two-goal lead, a Danish defender cleverly taking out the midfielder, receiving a yellow card, after the midfielder took advantage of opposition slackness.

Final Period Drama

The attacker made the keeper into a quick, low stop within 90 seconds of the second half. If Scotland were going to succeed, the half would be like the decades since the tournament. Considering the visitors only required a draw, the direction of play from the onset of the second period felt ominous for the hosts. Scotland were succeeding – partially – in disrupting Denmark offensives but promptly handing the ball right back to the players in the away kit.

When the tying goal arrived, it came with the scent of cordite associated.

The official initially saw nothing wrong with Robertson challenge on the winger on the angle of the box. Indeed, it seemed Isaksen dived into the air. After being instructed to check by the VAR, the referee pointed to the penalty spot. The striker drilled into the net. On the balance, parity was the least the away side merited but the hosts had reason to be upset about the decision.

Final Heroics

All this exciting game lacked was a sending off. It arrived on the hour, Kristensen another infraction of the night on a marauding McGinn earning a second caution. Then Clarke twisted by bringing on the forwards Lawrence Shankland and another.

This decision was to work out. The Danish marking of an curling midfielder set piece was poor, letting the striker to finish. The Hearts frontman, brought on for his predatory instinct, showed precisely that. The opposition manager Brian Riemer, however, had cause to be angry at how simple it was.

The home team had little time to extend their lead. Within a short time, Patrick Dorgu placed into the net after a teammate passed into his way from close range from goal. This time Scotland were too lenient.

The striker directed a header wide. The midfielder's curling attempt narrowly missed the post. Enter Tierney and a goal worthy to deciding the contest. McLean sealed it: from the halfway line, at that.