Scotland will play at the World Cup for the first time since 1998 after two late goals secured a dramatic victory over Denmark at a raucous Hampden Park.
Steve Clarke’s men came in to the contest knowing a win over the Group C leaders would be enough to end almost three decades of heartache, and in turn, consign their opponents to a spot in the play-offs.
The hosts got off to a dream start, with Scott McTominay‘s outstanding overhead kick within three minutes sending the home crowd wild. Rasmus Hojund — McTominay’s team-mate at Napoli — equalised from the spot for the Danes early in the second half, before Rasmus Kristensen was sent packing after picking up a second yellow.
Substitute Lawrence Shankland put the Scots back in front from close range, but the joy didn’t last long, with Patrick Dorgu popping up to draw the visitors level once again.
But with hope fading, Kieran Tierney curled a wonderful effort beyond Kasper Schmeichel from range in stoppage-time, before Kenny McLean netted with a lob to seal a coveted place at next summer’s showpiece event in North America.
Our man Kevin McKenna was on hand to run the rule over the players on a remarkable night in Mount Florida…
Manager Steve Clark will lead Scotland in to next summer’s World Cup in North America
John McGinn was a standout while Kenny McLean sealed the win with a lob from his own half
Scott McTominay produced a stunning overhead kick to give the hosts a perfect start
SCOTLAND (4-5-1)
CRAIG GORDON – 6: Got down low to his right to deny Hojlund early in the second period. Would have probably expected a busier evening, but was delighted to see the Danes largely reduced to efforts from range.
AARON HICKEY – 6: Certainly had his hands full up against the rampaging Dorgu. Was perhaps a little gulty of standing off his man but stuck to the task well. Chances to get forward were few and far between.
GRANT HANLEY- 6.5: Endured a nightmare in Greece at the weekend, and was initially dropped for this one. Called up late after John Souttar picked up a knock in the warm-up and didn’t let anyone down.
SCOTT MCKENNA – 7: Thrown in and asked to deliver under huge pressure and didn’t put a foot wrong. Cleared his lines when required and got his head on everything launched in his direction.
ANDY ROBERTSON – 4: Never looked comfortable against Isaksen. Could have no complaints over giving away the penalty after catching the tricky winger. Distribution not up to scratch either.
JOHN MCGINN – 8: Led by example right from the off. His aggression and desire to get Scotland going was an inspiration to his team-mates. Cut off the passing lanes and always tried to drive forward.
LEWIS FERGUSON – 5.5: Ran himself into the ground and did his defensive duties well, making several key interventions to thwart Denmark. Invited pressure, however, with a number of slack passes.
BEN GANNON-DOAK – 3: Youngster’s evening was cruelly cut short after picking up an early injury. Had made a terrific start up against Dorgu, providing the cross for McTominay’s outstanding opener.
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Kenny McLean netted from inside his own half with the last kick of the ball to seal the win
RYAN CHRISTIE – 5.5: Effort couldn’t be faulted, but not on the ball anywhere near enough to have any real impact on proceedings. Asked to do far more defensively than he’s used to in order to lend a hand to Hickey.
SCOTT MCTOMINAY – 8: Won’t score a better goal for the rest of his career. It was simply world-class. Also supplied a wicked delivery which gave Shankland the easist of tasks to prod Scotland back in front.
LYNDON DYKES – 5: Was always going to be a tough shift up top, and as expected, was forced to feed off scraps. Won his fair share of aerial duels and brought others into play on the rare occasion he dropped deep.
SUBSTITUTES: McLean (Gannon-Doak, 21), Shankland (Christie, 64), Adams (Dykes, 64), Tierney (Hickey, 72).
STEVE CLARKE – 8: Got his subs absolutely spot on as he threw everything at it. Has taken Scotland to their first World Cup in almost 30 years. An astonishing achievement.
DENMARK (4-2-3-1)
KASPER SCHMEICHEL – 5: Could do nothing to prevent McTominay’s stunning opener, or Tierney’s late strike to put the Scots ahead. Wasn’t strong enough to deal with Shankland for the second and in no-man’s land for clincher.
RASMUS KRISTENSEN – 3: Turned by McGinn twice, fouled his man twice, was booked twice. Second was incredibly harsh, but he gave the officials a decision to make. Put his team-mates in all sorts of trouble.
JOACHIM ANDERSEN – 6: Didn’t appear to relish the physical battle with Dykes in the early stages but gradually grew into the game. Willing to carry the ball out from the back and kickstart attacks.
Rasmus Kristensen’s second-half sending off proved to be costly for the Danish side
ANDREAS CHRISTENSEN – 7: A commanding presence inside his own area. The Barcelona defender never looked flustered, and was assured in possession, often operating as an extra midfielder.
PATRICK DORGU – 7: Was the most relieved man in Hampden when Gannon-Doak was withdrawn from proceedings. Barely asked to defend and spent most of the contest bombing up the left-hand side. Took his goal well.
MORTEN HJULMAND – 7: A classy operator in the middle of the park. Kept things neat and tidy, allowing some of his more creative team-mates to get at the Scotland defence. Another one willing to have a pop from distance.
PIERRE-EMILE HOJBJERG – 6.5: The captain barely broke sweat. Given loads of room to spread the play and dicate things, and didn’t panic at any stage. Did much of the unseen work off the ball.
GUSTAV ISAKSEN – 7.5: Far and away the visitors’ most dangerous player. Gave Robertson a torrid time on the right. Flashed a curler just wide of target in second half, and played a part in Dorgu’s equaliser.
VICTOR FROHOLDT – 6: Should have done much better with a couple of opportunites within 25 yards, but composure was badly lacking. Constantly picked up pockets of space behind Hojlund.
MIKKEL DAMSGAARD – 5.5: Popped up everywhere across the front line, linking well with Hojlund. So dangerous from range and more than happy to try his luck, but couldn’t get anything on target.
RASMUS HOJLAND – 6.5: Wasn’t best pleased with the ref’s decision to chop off a first-half goal for shove on Hickey at the back post. Always carried a threat and coolly dispatched his penalty.
Rasmus Hojland silenced Hampden shortly after the interval with a well-taken penalty
SUBSTITUTES: Vestergaard (Damsgaard, 64), Norgaard (Hojlund, 84), Biereth (Isaksen, 90).
BRIAN RIEMER – 4: Can be proud of his players for putting in a dominant display in a hostile atmosphere. The damage was done against Belarus on Saturday.
REFEREE: Szymon Marciniak (POL) 6
ATTENDANCE: N/A
