Scotland Secures World Cup Qualification with Dramatic Victory Over Denmark

Scotland was aware that a victory over Denmark at Hampden Park would ensure their qualification for the World Cup for the first time since 1998. Scott McTominay delivered an exceptional start for Steve Clarke’s team by acrobatically scoring in the third minute. The assist came from Ben Gannon-Doak’s inviting cross, which allowed McTominay to execute an overhead kick reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic goal for Real Madrid against Juventus in 2018, slamming the ball into the net.

However, the match was far from over. Denmark equalized just before the hour mark, with Rasmus Hojlund—McTominay’s teammate at Napoli and former Manchester United associate—converting a penalty. A draw would not suffice for Scotland’s automatic qualification, as Denmark only needed a point to secure their place. The Scots were uplifted when substitute Lawrence Shankland reclaimed the lead following Rasmus Kristensen’s sending-off. Yet, Denmark quickly leveled the score again, courtesy of Patrick Dorgu, placing Scotland’s qualification hopes in jeopardy. Ultimately, Kieran Tierney restored Scotland’s lead for the third time, and Kenny McLean, who replaced the injured Gannon-Doak earlier in the match, sealed the game with a fourth goal, sending the fans into a frenzy.

Having missed the deadline for the 2025 Puskas Award, McTominay has positioned himself as a contender for the 2026 prize, awarded for the most aesthetically pleasing goal each year. The significance of his goal is heightened by its context and execution, making it a strong candidate due to its brilliance.

Nevertheless, he faces competition from Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven, whose recent Champions League goal is also in the running for 2026. Van de Ven showcased remarkable pace, sprinting nearly the entire length of the pitch before finishing with precision against Copenhagen, echoing a previous Puskas-winning goal by Son Heung-min. This establishes a precedent for spectacular solo efforts receiving accolades.

Yet, who can truly contest the allure of an overhead kick?