Everton stalwarts celebrate Scotland's World Cup qualification

A TRIO of Everton stalwarts were celebrating as Scotland secured qualification to their first World Cup finals in 28 years in dramatic fashion.

- By CHRIS BEESLEY ECHO Reporter

Playing at Hampden Park, in their final European Group C match, the Scots faced Denmark in a head-to-head showdown knowing that they needed to win to take top spot and passage to next summer's tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico while their visitors only required a draw.

Napoli's Scott McTominay fired the hosts ahead with a spectacular overhead bicycle kick just three minutes into the contest but they didn’t have another shot on target before Rasmus Hojlund, who followed McTominay from Old Trafford on loan to Napoli, equalised from the penalty spot on 57 minutes after captain Andy Robertson of Liverpool had fouled Gustav Isaksen.

Scotland found some new impetus when Denmark's Rasmus Kristensen was sent off on 61 minutes for a second yellow card offence with replays suggesting it was a soft booking.

Substitute Lawrence Shankland restored the home side's lead on 78 minutes, but their joy was short-lived as Manchester United wing back Patrick Dorgu restored parity again just three minutes later.