SCOTS ‘RUBBISH’ BUT DELIRIOUS

Late goals against Danes seal World Cup spot and dispel past qualifying pain

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Kenny McLean (right) celebrating with Lyndon Dykes, after scoring Scotland's final goal from the halfway line in their 4-2 win over Denmark on Nov 18. They last made the World Cup in 1998. PHOTO: REUTERS

(PHOTO: REUTERS)

“We were rubbish but who cares?” John McGinn said as scenes of delirium broke out at a joyous Hampden Park on Nov 18, after Scotland’s 4-2 victory over Denmark sent them to their first World Cup Finals since 1998.

Few would argue with the 31-year-old midfielder’s assessment, on a night when all that mattered for Scotland and the Tartan Army was the three points that meant they pipped Denmark to first place in Group C and an automatic spot in the 2026 48-nation showpiece.

For much of the game Denmark were superior, even when they were reduced to 10 men. Yet Scotland produced three goals of exceptional quality on a night that will become part of the fabled folklore of Scottish football.

Scott McTominay’s third-minute overhead kick was good enough to win any game, but it was ultimately just a blur as Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean struck in stoppage time — Tierney with a sublime left-footer and McLean a stunner from the halfway line.