Scotland are back. For the first time since 1998, the Tartan Army will be marching to a FIFA World Cup™.
Not only that, but a nation that has become accustomed to failure – sometimes glorious, sometimes grim – secured their long-awaited return in the most dramatic and triumphant manner imaginable.
When Scott McTominay fired them ahead in their decisive duel with Denmark with a Cristiano-esque overhead kick, it was difficult to imagine that remarkable effort not going down in history as a defining moment. In the end, that spectacular display of acrobatics became almost a footnote, buried beneath two stunning stoppage-time strikes that sealed a historic 4-2 win over the erstwhile Group C leaders.
“Scott scored the best overhead kick I’ve ever seen… and it might not be the best goal of the night,” said Steve Clarke, who had seen three of his substitutes, Lawrence Shankland, Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean, spark delirium in the Hampden stands.
Captain Andy Robertson described it to the BBC as “one of the craziest games”, adding: “We put the country through it… but I’m sure it was worth it.”
It certainly hasn’t been straightforward or easy. Just days ago, 3-0 down in Greece and with Denmark seemingly coasting to qualification in Copenhagen, the Scots looked resigned to missing out once again.
Belarus snatching an unlikely draw against the Danes opened the door, and those memorable goals from McTominay, Shankland, Tierney and McLean ensured the Scots burst through it.
Even their night of glory wasn’t without its setbacks though. Denmark dominated for large spells, and a late Patrick Dorgu goal looked to have earned them a point that few in dark blue could have complained about.
“I thought we were pretty rubbish to be honest,” admitted John McGinn, Scotland’s straight-talking midfield powerhouse. “But who cares? I will never feel like that in a football stadium ever again.”
“No Scotland, no party!” was the song that rang out through the Hampden stands, and that travelling Tartan Army – plus thousands of ex-pats in North America – will make a boisterous and joyful addition to the mix in 2026.
If their players can repeat some of the magic shown against the Danes, they will also earn a few fans – and make a few headlines – with their on-the-park exploits.
