McTominay rewrites Scottish history

Scott McTominay created a masterpiece in Scotland's 3-2 win over Denmark.

It was the moment that sealed Scotland's place at the 2026 World Cup. A kick that lifted the fear of generations. A kick that brought the nation back to the biggest football stage on the planet after a long and painful journey.

Scotland went into the final match with a must-win mandate. There was no second thought. They were backed into a corner after a 3-2 defeat to Greece, only revived by Denmark’s incredible stumble against Belarus. But when the ball was rolling in Glasgow, Scotland did not play like a team in despair. They played like a team that knows they are at their best when they have nothing to lose.

And then, just three minutes from time, McTominay turned the pressure into inspiration. A high ball into the box. A moment of leaning forward in the air. A shot that left Kasper Schmeichel rooted to the spot. Hampden Park erupted. It was not a lucky goal. It was a goal from a player at a new height with Napoli, the club he joined after leaving Manchester United in the summer of 2024.

The goal caused a stir on social media, with Sir Andy Murray saying “McTominay, you wee dancer!”. But for those who followed him closely, the overhead kick was just the next step in a clear evolution. McTominay is no longer just a utility midfielder for United. He is a true leader. A Serie A MVP. A source of energy who helped Napoli to the top of Italy and now Scotland to the World Cup.

Scotland qualified for the 2026 World Cup after beating Denmark.

The moment was made all the more precious by the fact that Scotland had to overhaul their squad early because of Ben Doak’s injury. The young winger had been playing well but left the pitch in tears with a hamstring injury. Scotland would have collapsed in previous years. But Steve Clarke’s team did not collapse because of the incident. They kept fighting, kept pressing, kept believing in their own game.

And Scotland were rewarded with a spirited 4-2 win. A win that meant more than just three points. It meant liberation. It meant confirmation of a team transformation. It meant confirmation that Scotland deserved to return to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.

Since Clarke took charge, Scotland have gone from skepticism to stability. They are at EURO 2020. They are at EURO 2024. All they need is the World Cup to complete their journey of rebirth. And on the morning of November 19, Scotland did it in the most convincing way: with will, with character and with big moments from big players.

McTominay epitomised that journey. He was unpretentious. He didn’t talk much. But he was always there. He scored the most important goals. He gave the impression that Scotland had a star capable of turning games.

That overhead kick against Denmark will be talked about for years to come. It was a symbol of the journey. It was a triumph of belief. It was confirmation that Scottish football is now among the most exciting European teams to watch.

And when Scotland board the plane to North America in the summer of 2026, the image of McTominay hanging in mid-air at Hampden Park will accompany them. Not just as a goal, but as the moment that ushered in a new era.

Source: https://znews.vn/mctominay-viet-lai-lich-su-scotland-post1603871.html