Kenny McLean delivered a moment of brilliance on Tuesday night, securing Scotland's place in the World Cup with a stunning strike from halfway during a thrilling 4-2 victory over Denmark at Hampden Park. The Norwich City captain's remarkable goal marked Scotland's return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998, igniting celebrations across the nation.
McLean's goal was the highlight of an exhilarating performance that showcased Scotland's attacking flair and resilience. The match kicked off with Scott McTominay's overhead kick giving Scotland an early lead, followed by a stoppage-time winner from Kieran Tierney. However, it was McLean's sensational lob that truly captivated the Hampden crowd, etching a historic moment in Scottish football.
Reflecting on his stunning goal, McLean stated, "It's self-explanatory, I think, isn't it? The atmosphere in here, the whole place deserves it. It's been a long time, but we knew that we had the ability to do it." He added, "To do it late on feels that wee bit more special. The finish, KT just said to me, 'you scored the third best goal of the game, but it was a belter'. It's amazing."
The Norwich City captain also shared his initial hesitation before taking the shot, explaining, "The keeper didn't drop too quickly and I think someone was coming on my left - but I took a pop. The referee said there was a minute to go a minute before so I thought 'why not?'. To see it creep in that inside post was the best feeling I've had. It tops Norway." Read more about Clement Targets Revival as Norwich Appoint New Head Coach.
Scotland's manager Steve Clarke expressed his delight at McLean's decision to shoot, revealing that he had anticipated a different approach. "When Kenny got the ball late on, I’m thinking counter attack," Clarke said. "Then he hits it and I thought: You know what, that’s going in. And it did. It was a fantastic night."
John McGinn, the Aston Villa midfielder and a long-time teammate of McLean at St Mirren, shared his excitement over McLean's achievement on such a momentous occasion. "To see that ball hit the net, I can't even explain," McGinn commented. "I thought we were pretty rubbish to be honest, but who cares? To get over the line was such an amazing feeling. The gaffer's team talk was exceptional. It's a privilege every time we meet up. It's just humble guys wanting to do well for their country. We left everything out there."
With McLean leading the charge, Scotland's triumphant return to the World Cup stage serves as a source of inspiration for the nation, reigniting hopes and dreams as the tournament approaches next summer. The memories of this euphoric night will undoubtedly resonate with both players and fans for years to come. Read more about Clement Set to Take Charge as Norwich Target Revival.