Scotland Stunned Its Way Back To The World Cup

"With the score deadlocked at 2-2 and time running out for the Scots, McLean launched a ball into the top of the Danish box. After the ball bounced around a couple of times, Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand failed to clear it cleanly, and his mishit landed at Tierney's left foot from about 28 yards out. The Celtic left back stroked a first-touch curler past a combined eight Scots and Danes, sending it just past his club teammate Kasper Schmeichel in goal. Predictably, the Hampden Park crowd exploded:"

"Denmark still had hope and time after Tierney's stunner; as a reminder, a draw would have done enough to get the Danes to the World Cup without needing the playoff. And so, Denmark threw everything it had at Scotland in the final few minutes, but to no avail. There was one more goal, though, a fitting conclusion to this bit of Scottish delirium."

Scotland entered the final World Cup qualifier needing a win to guarantee qualification and faced group leaders Denmark in Glasgow. The match remained tense and dramatic through 90-plus minutes, with Scotland ultimately prevailing 4-2. Kenny McLean delivered a crucial ball into the Danish box that led to Kiernan Tierney's 28-yard first-touch curler past Kasper Schmeichel. Denmark continued to press for the draw that would have secured their own qualification, but Scottish resistance held. In stoppage time McLean added a late goal to seal the victory and send Scotland to the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

Read at Defector