Scotland scored two dramatic goals in stoppage time to beat Denmark 4-2 on a night full of twists and turns on Tuesday, clinching their place in the World Cup final for the first time since 1998.
On a crackling evening in front of an expectant Glasgow crowd, substitute Kieran Tierney restored the home side’s lead from outside the box in the 93rd minute.
And there was still time for a sensational fourth from fellow substitute Kenny McLean, who lifted the ball from the halfway line over Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.
Scotland finished as winners of Group C with 13 points, two points ahead of Denmark, who were 18 places above.
The victory means Steve Clarke’s men will be at next year’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States, while Denmark, who only needed a draw to qualify automatically, face the play-off draw.
“There is always a final step,” Scotland manager Steve Clarke told the BBC. “And the last step is always the most difficult step.
“So it was just to reassure them, put them at ease and let them know they could rise to the occasion.”
Clarke was astounded by the quality of his team’s attacks.
“Scott McTominay scored the best bicycle kick I’ve ever seen,” he said. «And it might not have been the best goal of the night. Absolutely incredible.»
Denmark’s shock 2-2 draw at home to Belarus on Saturday had earned the Scots an automatic qualification save, despite their 2-3 defeat in Greece the same evening.
Outrageous McTominay
On an evening full of emotions and nerves in Hampden Park, Scotland took the lead in the third minute thanks to a phenomenal bicycle kick from McTominay.
With his back to the goal near the penalty spot, the Napoli midfielder made an acrobatic jump and fired the ball home.
The Danes settled down quickly and dominated possession for the remainder of the half, but could not find the net.
However, McTominay’s teammate at Napoli, Rasmus Hojlund, leveled from the penalty spot in the 57th minute.
Four minutes later the Danes were down to ten men when Rasmus Kristensen was harshly shown a second yellow card after it was judged that he had brought down John McGinn.
The Scots were back in front when Lawrence Shankland converted Lewis Ferguson’s corner in the 78th minute, only for Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu to come through a few minutes later to level the score at 2-2.
But Scotland lifted itself up for one final push.
Tierney met a loose ball first time and curled it past Celtic’s Schmeichel from 25 yards before McLean secured victory, ending decades of agony.
“That just sums up this team,” said captain Andy Robertson. «Never say die. We’ll just keep going until the end and one of the craziest games.
«We helped the country through it, but I’m sure it will be worth it. We are going to the World Cup.»
«I hid it well, but today I was in pieces. I know that at my age this could be my last chance to go to the World Cup.»
Published on November 19, 2025
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