Sport / A night of high emotion at Hampden as Scotland qualify for World Cup
IT WAS a night to remember for the Shetlanders at Hampden Park last night (Tuesday) as they witnessed the Scotland men’s football team secure a place at the World Cup for the first time in nearly 30 years.
Speaking after the final whistle blew in Glasgow on a dramatic 4-2 victory against Denmark, James Milne said “words cannot describe how I feel right now”.
Meanwhile John Fraser said the match he witnessed will be “spoken about for generations to come” – adding “no Scotland, no party”.
Scotland had to beat Denmark to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup, which is being held in the US, Canada and Mexico.
It got off to a dream start as Scott McTominay defied physics with a towering overhead kick after only a few minutes.
Scotland were pegged back shortly after half-time with a penalty from Denmark, but only a few minutes later the Danes were down to ten men after a second yellow card for Rasmus Kristensen.
Scotland’s Lawrence Shankland then bundled home to make it 2-1, but just a few minutes later Denmark equalised – with Steve Clarke’s side on the brink of having to navigate through the World Cup play-offs instead.
But up stepped Kieran Tierney to curl in a fine finish on 93 minutes – before an outrageous goal from Kenny McLean from the halfway line sealed the victory and sparked wild celebrations.
Milne, who has followed Scotland across the world, said he had “so many emotions”.
“Literally start to finish, the game had it all,” he said.
Milne also said it was special to sing the national anthem alongside his wife and two children, who were attending their first game.
“All in all, we’ve been unlucky in the past, we’ve had decisions go against us,” he added.
“But this time we did it the Scotland way – and boy did we sing!”
Milne did admit he was fearing the worst when livewire attacker Ben Gannon-Doak had to be subbed off in the first half due to injury.
“But [replacement] Kenny McLean stepped up,” he added.
“Clarke made the right subs at the right time. He’s now got us into three tournaments – get the statue built now!”
Fraser, meanwhile, said he has attended many big games over the years, but Tuesday night’s winner-takes-all qualifying match “tops the lot”.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to attend Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup finals,” he said.
“I’ve survived many Glasgow derbies. I’ve experienced big Champions League nights. I’ve seen Scotland face the ‘Auld Enemy’.
“I’ve watched them beat world footballing giants Spain and drive Portugal’s great Cristiano Ronaldo to distraction.
“But to be at Hampden to watch Scotland qualify for a World Cup tops the lot.
“That match will be spoken about for generations to come. The incredible goals will be replayed prior to every big match Scotland plays in hereafter.
“If I’m blessed wie grandbairns I’ll be able to tell them, ‘I wis dere dat night’. You can’t buy that.”
Fraser admitted that it can be a “tough gig” following Scotland, with many instances of infamous “glorious failures”.
“But when it comes together it’s something special. Win, lose or draw, the Tartan Army’s positivity, friendly banter and camaraderie is an infectious thing o’ beauty,” he said.
“A win like that however takes it to a different level.
“Last night’s atmosphere at Hampden Park will take some beating. It’ll live long in the memory. No Scotland, no party.”
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