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For many supporters and players across generations, Scotland had grown accustomed to near misses, heartbreaks, and the infamous ‘glorious failure’ tag that has followed them since their last FIFA World Cup campaign in 1998.

However, under the guidance of current manager Steve Clarke, the national team has made significant progress. After ending a two-decade wait to return to major tournaments with qualification for Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, the Tartan Army have now earned their place on football’s grandest stage once again.

Scotland’s qualification for this summer’s World Cup came in truly remarkable circumstances, as Clarke’s men claimed a thrilling 4-2 victory over Denmark.

For winger Ryan Christie, that memorable night at Hampden Park is one he will never forget.

“So many people reached out to me after the match,” Christie shared with FourFourTwo. “Down in Bournemouth, my wife has friends who don’t even follow football, yet they told her they were in tears watching it.”

“It felt like the game went beyond football itself. So many people were watching, and you couldn’t script an ending like that if you tried.”

“I’ve been telling everyone it’s the best match I’ve ever seen live – and I was actually playing in it! It was amazing to be part of something like that. Those were three of the best goals Scotland has ever scored.”

When the excitement settled and the emotions of that night began to ease, debates started about which of the goals was the finest. Scott McTominay opened the scoring with a stunning overhead kick in the first half, followed by Kieran Tierney’s sensational long-range strike during stoppage time. Minutes later, Kenny McLean sealed the win with a remarkable effort from his own half, catching Kasper Schmeichel off his line.

When asked which goal stood out most, Christie admitted, “I’d have to pick Scott McTominay’s because it was absolutely outrageous to even attempt something like that!”

“But then, for Kieran Tierney to strike the ball the way he did under that pressure – with it bouncing towards him – was special. And Kenny McLean topping it all off with that halfway-line goal was just the perfect finish.”

Reflecting on the night, Christie added, “It was an incredible evening – almost like destiny in football.”

“When you’ve got a group of players who are so united, willing to put in the effort for each other and for the country, moments like that can happen. It’s like we earned it.”

“It truly was one of the greatest nights in Scottish football history, and I feel immensely proud to have been part of it.”