This video can not be played
McLean secures Scotland’s World Cup berth with strike from halfway
Kenny McLean’s goal from the halfway line seals a victory that sends Scotland to their first men’s World Cup in nearly three decades.
This is not a dream.
The 33-year-old Norwich midfielder is mobbed by his teammates as he heads towards the corner flag.
Ben Gannon-Doak, stretchered off in the first half of the remarkable 4-2 victory over Denmark, greets his teammate with unrestrained joy.
Fireworks erupt from the Hampden roof as Scott McTominay lies in a heap.
Just two hours prior, his audacious overhead kick had evoked tears and jubilant celebrations, even amongst members of the media.
Goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who turns 43 next month, expresses disbelief as the stadium DJ plays “Freed From Desire.”
This is not a dream.
Steve Clarke joins the players in a scene of unbridled celebration at Hampden.
A generation of Scotland fans has just witnessed what might be the greatest game of their lives, with older supporters potentially agreeing.
No, it wasn’t a dream.
Scotland Qualifies for First Men’s World Cup in 28 Years
“I couldn’t get Jota out my head” – Scotland’s Heroes Reflect on Victory
The Unfolding of Scotland’s Bizarre but Glorious Campaign
The belief that this night was destined seemed palpable, given the unique trajectory of Scotland’s qualifying campaign.
While fortune played a role, McTominay’s remarkable bicycle kick was a display of pure skill.
Scotland’s resilience in twice responding against 10-man Denmark was equally commendable.
One fan suggested pre-match that Scotland had accumulated nearly 30 years’ worth of past misfortunes, while another proposed that Clarke and the team had made a pact for this opportunity.
If this is what it takes, the Tartan Army might willingly endure another three decades for a similar experience.
The thought of Andy Robertson and John McGinn trading years of Scottish footballing failures for a World Cup appearance is striking, considering this could be their last chance.
Robertson and McGinn, both 31 and cornerstones of the team, led the post-match celebrations.
Their raw emotion echoed the impact of Kieran Tierney’s stunning goal and Lawrence Shankland’s clinical finish. They unequivocally deserve this moment.
The emotional rollercoaster in the stands, shifting from elation to anxiety, heartbreak, and ultimately disbelief, defies easy description.
This video can not be played
Thompson and McFadden React to Scotland’s Late Goals
Before the match, fuelled by a stirring rendition of “Flower of Scotland” and a pyrotechnic display, fans were ready to take to the pitch themselves.
Just three minutes after kickoff, McTominay sprinted towards the dugout after scoring a career-defining goal.
The Napoli midfielder, standing alone, dedicated the goal, a moment described by the PA announcer as the “goal of the season.”
However, Tierney’s curler and McLean’s remarkable strike also contend for that title.
As the celebrations subsided, veteran goalkeeper Gordon remained on the pitch, taking photos with his family.
Many players in this squad were born after Scotland’s last major tournament appearance, while others were infants.
Gordon, a teenager then, will remember his dreams. Next summer, he and his teammates get to realize them alongside the nation.
This video can not be played
“I woke up this morning with no nerves”