KIERAN TIERNEY cut to the chase when he was asked to describe his feelings after netting the stoppage-time goal that steered Scotland to the World Cup Finals for the first time in 28 years.
The Celtic defender’s big moment arrived three minutes into overtime when he made a perfect connection with a loose ball six yards outside the penalty box to whip an exquisite left-foot drive wide of his Hoops team-mate Kasper Schmeichel.
Hampden erupted in sheer delight as the strike made it 3-2 against a superb Denmark side who were heading for the USA, Canada and Mexico next summer until Tierney, a second-half substitute for Aaron Hickey, exploded onto the scene with the third goal.
BY THE LEFT…Kieran Tierney fires in Scotland’s dramatic third goal in stoppage-time.
Kenny McLean added a fourth with practically the last kick of the ball seven minutes into added-on time and Steve Clarke’s side’s mission had been complete.
In the midst of the jubilation and joy, the Hoops full-back was quizzed about how he felt.
Tierney didn’t hesitate as he spoke to BBC Scotland: “Oh, it’s mental, man. One of the best feelings ever. Unbelievable; this group, the staff, all the fans, everyone deserves it.”
Asked about what he was thinking when he fired in his first-time drive, Tierney, who has now scored twice for his nation, replied: “I don’t know. Too good to be true kind of thing.
HAMPDEN HEAVEN…Kieran Tierney takes off in celebration.
“I don’t know what I’ve done for my celebration.
“And then Kenny goes and finishes it off and that just takes all the pressure off. What a night.”
The sell-out crowd in the national stadium had the place rocking as a dramatic encounter see-sawed to a thrilling climax.
Scott McTominay gave the hosts the lead inside three minutes with a breathtaking overhead-kick that left Schmeichel helpless low to his right.
Eleven minutes after the interval, Rasmus Højlund thumped in the equaliser from the penalty spot before Lawrence Shankland restored the Scots’ lead from close-range following a wicked left-wing corner-kick from Lewis Ferguson in the 77th minute.
THE JOKERS…Kieran Tierney and skipper Andy Robertson enjoy the last laugh in the aftermatch celebrations following a dramatic Hampden finale.
The Danes, down to 10 men after Victor Kristensen’s red card, levelled again shortly afterwards with a smart finish from Patrick Dorgu.
That set up the awesome and enthralling conclusion to a heartstopping confrontation when Tierney curled in his effort and McLean made absolutely certain.
It was a night to remember for Scotland.
In the words of goal hero Tierney, it was “mental, man!”
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