4 days ago
18
Scott McTominay lit up Hampden Park with an outrageous overhead kick to give Scotland a crucial early lead against Denmark in their World Cup qualifier.
The Napoli midfielder, formerly of Manchester United, struck after just three minutes, acrobatically meeting a lofted cross and sending a spectacular finish past Kasper Schmeichel as the stadium erupted.
Steve Clarke's side went into the final Group C fixture needing a win to qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup, having been handed an unexpected lifeline at the weekend despite losing 3-2 to Greece after falling 3 0 behind in Piraeus.
That defeat looked fatal until Belarus stunned Denmark with a point in Copenhagen, keeping the group alive and dragging the qualification fight to Glasgow, where Scotland know only victory would be enough to finish top.
Denmark, led by McTominay's club team-mate Rasmus Hojlund, need just a point to book their place for the North American finals.
Hampden had been febrile from kick-off, with the Tartan Army sensing an opportunity rarely presented in recent campaigns and Scotland responded with a blistering opening spell.
Scott McTominay lit up Hampden Park with an outrageous overhead kick to give Scotland a crucial early lead against Denmark
The Napoli midfielder, formerly of Manchester United , struck after just three minutes, acrobatically meeting a lofted cross
McTominay's strike came from one of them, the midfielder adjusting superbly as the ball dropped inside the area before throwing himself backwards and remarkably guiding his finish into the bottom corner.
The 28-year-old's strike, his 13th international goal and second of this qualification campaign, underlined the level he has reached since leaving Manchester United in 2024.
McTominay won Serie A's MVP award last season as Napoli claimed the title, and he has quickly become a fan favourite in Naples for his timing, work rate and goals from midfield.
Unfortunately for Clarke's men, their early momentum was dented when Ben Doak was forced off after 22 minutes.
The winger dropped to the turf holding his right hamstring and was taken off on a stretcher, with Kenny McLean coming on as Clarke reshuffled his midfield.
More to follow.
