Scotland 4–2 Denmark: A Night of World Cup Glory at Hampden

Scotland suffered for much of that first half as the Danes controlled possession and camped around the Scotland box but Steve Clarke’s side, who held the Danes to a goalless draw in Copenhagen in the opening match of the qualifying group, held the nerve and went back into the dressing room with their lead intact. Just 45 minutes separated Scotland from a place in the World Cup Finals.

A curious negative on this night worthy of a mention on The Celtic Star at this stage was the relentless booing of Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel, who is seems was targeting for this disgraceful behaviour for one reason, and one reason only – he plays for Celtic.

Maybe a sectarian side of the tartan army or perhaps it’s just Celtic’s relentless success in the 21st century that has broken them at club football level? Probably a mixture of the two, a little bit of Scotland’s Shame casting a shadow over an otherwise perfect night for the country. 

Scotland’s lead didn’t last much longer. Twelve minutes into the second half Scotland captain on the edge of the Scotland penalty area stuck out a leg and after a VAR check the penalty was given, well taken by Rasmus Hojlund and the Danes were level. Scotland were staring that place on the playoffs in the face as the colourful Danish corner of Hampden celebrated.

Scotland’s first corner of the match didn’t arrive until 78 minutes, an indication on how the Danes had dominated possession. By this time Rasmus Kristensen had picked up a rather harsh second yellow card, something that VAR isn’t able to look at, and the visitors were down to ten men.

Steve Clarke’s side certainly made the most of the corner which was whipped in and amid a second of confusion the ball reached substitute Lawrence Shankland, the biggest poacher in the Scottish game, and the slightest of touches from point blank from the Hearts captain was all that was required to give Scotland a 2-1 lead.

But Denmark, as expected, fought back and the Scottish World Cup dream was dealt a painful blow when Partick Dorgu’s back post effort evade John McGinn’s desperate attempt to block and the Dane’s were level. It looked like another of glorious Scottish failure was on the cards as Steve Clarke looked to his bench to try to grab a winner.

The regulation 90 minutes were up and it was going to be a stoppage time dramatic finish if Scotland had to do it. Hickey, just back from a long term injury, couldn’t continue so was replaced by Celtic’s left-back Kieran Tierney to play on the right for Scotland – needs must and all that.

Yet that enforced call changed destiny for Scotland as amid Scottish pressure the ball fell at KT’s feet at the edge of the area on that right hand side. The penalty area was packed full of Danish defenders, Kasper Schmeichel is a top shotstopper but the left-footer on the right unleashed the perfect shot that curled into the corner of the Danish net going past Tierney’s Celtic teammate to give Scotland an incredible 3-2 lead on an unforgettable night at Hampden.

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