Scotland beat Denmark 4-2 to book first World Cup spot since 1998

After a heart-wrenching 4-2 victory over Denmark in a final-minute match, Scotland qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998. The majority of the action took place in the final minutes.

As Scotland’s date with destiny loomed, nightly anticipations hung high in the air well before kickoff on Tuesday in Glasgow.

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Since France 1998, World Cup qualification has remained out of reach for Scotland despite having qualified for the previous two European Championships.

In a winner-takes-all game in Group C, Scotland’s supporters swooped in a 10-man Danish side 4-2, with Scott McTominay scoring with a bicycle kick just three minutes into the contest.

When Denmark’s Rasmus Hojlund leveled the score, Scottish fans’ initial cheers were stifled.

The home team was then pushed again by Scotland’s Lawrence Shankland, but Patrick Dorgu equalized that goal in the 82nd minute.

Denmark’s group victory would have come after a draw, and the Danes were well-positioned to do so before Kieran Tierney restored the Scottish side’s lead three minutes into extra time.

Eight minutes into stoppage time, Kenny McLean’s shot over Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel from the halfway line seals Scotland’s qualification for the World Cup.

When Scotland scored their fourth goal, leaving fans in delirium and ensuring the game’s inclusion in the fabled folklore of Scottish football, one match commentator said, “You would not believe it.”

We’ve taken a journey, they say. Before the game, Scotland coach Steve Clarke said, “I spoke to them about how this is the opportunity we’ve waited for.”

“This was a chance to win one game.” It resembled a playoff final. Everything is in our hands. He said there is always one last step, and it’s the hardest one.

Rasmus Kristensen was sent off in the 62nd minute, leaving Denmark two points clear of Scotland.

Denmark glared to be the better team for the majority of the game. The biggest twist, however, was saved at the end of the Scots’ already roller-coaster World Cup qualifying campaign, which included a 3-2 defeat in Greece on Saturday. The two goals in stoppage time caused the city of Glasgow to experience the loudest party in years.

Never say die, this squad just sums up. In one of the most bizarre games, we just keep going until the very end,” said Scotland captain Andy Robertson.

“We put the country through it, but I’m confident it will pay off. He declared, “We’re going to the World Cup.”