‘The Denmark game transcended football – you couldn’t write that ending if you tried’ Ryan Christie on the classic win that sealed Scotland’s World Cup return

Person Player Ryan Christie ‘The Denmark game transcended football – you couldn’t write that ending if you tried’ Ryan Christie on the classic win that sealed Scotland’s World Cup return Features By Joe Mewis Contributions from Alasdair Mackenzie published 31 May 2026 The Scots saw off Denmark 4-2 last year in a match for the ages When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Scotland celebrate their win over Denmark (Image credit: Getty Images) Copy link Facebook X Pinterest Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter For a generation of fans and players alike, Scotland had to get used to near misses, heartbreak and the so-called ‘glorious failure’ that has followed them since their last World Cup appearance in 1998. But after making progress under current boss Steve Clarke and returning to tournament football after a two-decade wait when they qualified for Euro 2020 and then Euro 2024, the Tartan Army are back on the biggest stage. The Scots’ place at this summer’s World Cup was sealed in remarkable fashion when Clarke’s side claimed a dramatic 4-2 victory over Denmark. You may like Exclusive: Andy Robertson discusses Scotland's World Cup ambitions 'I was there in 1982 against that unbelievable Brazil side. I was on the pitch and saw them up close - but I don’t think I played!' Gordon Strachan recalls Scotland World Cup memories and reveals his striker solution ‘When we qualified for the World Cup, there was a part of me that felt Diogo Jota was looking over us’ Andy Robertson on the World Cup bond he formed with his tragic former Liverpool team-mate Ryan Christie on Scotland’s classic against DenmarkGet a Surfshark VPN in time for the World Cup! Pick up an extra three months of service and up to a $30 (£22) Amazon Gift Card when purchasing a two-year subscription plan. View DealFor Scotland winger Ryan Christie, that victory at Hampden was a match that will stay with him forever. “So many people spoke to me after the game,” Christie tells FourFourTwo. “Down in Bournemouth, my wife has pals who don’t know the first thing about football, but said they were crying watching it. Ryan Christie has won 66 caps for Scotland “It seemed to transcend the sport. So many people tuned in to that game. You couldn’t write that ending if you tried. “I’ve been saying to people it’s the best game I’ve ever seen live – and I played in it! It was such a cool thing to be part of. They were three of the best goals to ever be scored by Scotland.” Get the FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Once the dust held settled and the raw emotion of that evening began to subdue, a debate raged over which of these goals was the best, with Scott McTominay’s sublime first-half overhead kick followed by a spectacular long-range strike from Kieran Tierney in stoppage time. Moments later, Kenny McClean sealed the victory when he spotted Kasper Schmeichel off his line and found the back of the net from his own half. “I’ve got to go for Scott McTominay’s, because it was completely ridiculous to even try something like that!” Christie says, when pressed on which was the best strike. “But for Kieran Tierney to hit a ball like that with the pressure, a bouncing ball coming towards you… and then Kenny McLean to put the icing on the cake from the halfway line. McTominay and Tierney both scored brilliant goals against the Danes (Image credit: Getty Images)“It was an incredible night. It was like fate in football. “When you have a group of players who are that together, and willing to work hard for each other and their country, it plays a part in these things happening. You pay your dues. “It was one of the best nights for Scottish football and I feel very proud to have been a part of it.” TOPICS Scotland World Cup 2026 Joe MewisSocial Links NavigationFor more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others and worked at FourFourTwo throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown. With contributions fromAlasdair Mackenzie View More You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name. Logout Read more Player Exclusive: Andy Robertson discusses Scotland's World Cup ambitions     Team 'I was there in 1982 against that unbelievable Brazil side. I was on the pitch and saw them up close - but I don’t think I played!' Gordon Strachan recalls Scotland World Cup memories and reveals his striker solution     Player ‘When we qualified for the World Cup, there was a part of me that felt Diogo Jota was looking over us’ Andy Robertson on the World Cup bond he formed with his tragic former Liverpool team-mate     Player EXCLUSIVE Andy Robertson: Scotland's success 'starts and ends with the manager'     Player ‘Everybody wanted to be in the post-match drug test, because you could drink as much alcohol as you wanted until you needed a wee!’ Gordon Strachan on his Scotland World Cup adventures     Player ‘Lawrence Shankland’s position is probably most up for grabs’ Scotland legend Kenny Miller on the youngsters vying for a place in Steve Clarke’s World Cup squad     Latest in Player Player Kasper Schmeichel reflects on his career and Leicester City title win following retirement     Player 'I'm not upset at all that he’s leaving' Alan Shearer takes ironic penalty stance on Anthony Gordon's Newcastle United exit     Player Is Achraf Hakimi injured? Champions League final injury update on Paris Saint-Germain right-back     Player Is Neymar injured? World Cup injury update on Brazil's record scorer     Player Thomas Tuchel's World Cup error highlighted but snubbed England star 'won't cry about it'     Player USMNT star Christian Pulisic tasked with sink-or-swim 2026 World Cup after disparate domestic campaign     Latest in Features Player Kasper Schmeichel reflects on his career and Leicester City title win following retirement     Competition How many teams have done the league and Champions League double?     Competition How to watch Mexico vs Australia: Free streams and TV info     Competition How to watch Champions League Final 2026 for FREE     Competition How to watch Scotland vs Curacao for FREE: Live stream details     Team Eye-watering cost of Arsenal's Emirates Stadium revamp explained     LATEST ARTICLES1How to watch Mexico vs Australia: Free streams and TV info2How to watch CONCACAF Champions Cup Final 20263‘Lionel Messi has been fundamental to football’s growth in the US. He’s a benchmark for the opponents in MLS, as they discover what it means to truly compete’ Mauricio Pochettino on how Messi is raising the standard stateside4Nemanja Vidic reveals his best friends in football - including Manchester United hero5‘We want to be the best, so we have to turn negative moments into improvements. France were reigning champions in 2022 and knew how to succeed’ Jordan Pickford on the crucial fine margins at a major tournament