Scotland’s most memorable nights at Hampden as they reach World Cup finals

Scotland treated their fans to one of the great Hampden nights as they beat Denmark to end a 28-year absence from the World Cup finals.

A 4-2 victory saw Scotland leapfrog the Danes at the top of Group C as stunning goals from Scott McTominay, Kieran Tierney and Kenny McLean – plus Lawrence Shankland’s tap-in – delivered memories that will live with the Tartan Army forever.

Here, we look back on other great Hampden nights for Scotland supporters.

1957: Scotland 4 Spain 2

A hat-trick from Blackpool attacker Alex Mudie helped Scotland to a famous win over a Spain side featuring Paco Gento and Alfredo Di Stefano, members of the Real Madrid side who were dominating the early years of European football. Charlton left-back John Hewie was also on target for the hosts at a rain-soaked Hampden Park.

1965: Scotland 1 Italy 0

John Greig’s late goal in front of 100,000 fans at Hampden in a World Cup qualifier remains Scotland’s only win against the Italians, whose club teams were dominating European football at the time. The victory put Scotland top of their section with a game left but defeat in Naples the following month scuppered their dreams of reaching the World Cup on English soil.

1973: Scotland 2 Czechoslovakia 1

Willie Ormond’s Scotland ended a 16-year absence from the World Cup with this comeback win in front of 96,000 fans. Defender Jim Holton equalised for the Scots before second-half substitute Joe Jordan headed home to seal their passage to the finals in West Germany the following summer.

1984: Scotland 3 Spain 1

Scotland were in no mood to consider the reputation of the Euro 84 runners-up reputations and Maurice Johnston fired a first-half brace to put the home ahead at the break. Liverpool striker Kenny Dalglish then scored a superb 75th-minute clincher to equal Denis Law’s scoring record with his 30th goal for his country.

1985: Scotland 1 England 0

Scotland’s most memorable wins over the Auld Enemy came at Wembley but there were plenty on home turf. The last was when Richard Gough headed home to claim the first Rous Cup.

1989: Scotland 2 France 0

France were rated as red-hot favourites but Scotland were preparing to do further damage to another big European nation in front of over 65,000 supporters. Mo Johnston scored either side of the interval to ensure another major scalp in this World Cup qualifier. Scotland ultimately qualified for Italia 90, while the French stayed at home.

2003: Scotland 1 Netherlands 0

James McFadden combined with fellow youngster Darren Fletcher to net the only goal of this European Championship play-off first leg. Scotland had some near misses and the trip to Amsterdam proved too much as they went down 6-0 to Dick Advocaat’s side, but it was good while it lasted.

2006: Scotland 1 France 0

The World Cup runners-up were humbled by Walter Smith’s side as Gary Caldwell slid in to force the ball home from a corner. Craig Gordon made some important stops – 19 years before helping his country to the World Cup finals – and Scotland went on to repeat the feat in Paris the following year.

2023: Scotland 2 Spain 0

Steve Clarke’s side started their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign in style with victory over the group favourites thanks to Scott McTominay’s double. It was the only defeat for Spain in the tournament, which they won the following year.