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There are some moments in history which are so significant that they must be cherished and preserved.
In the minutes which followed Scotland’s jaw-dropping triumph over Denmark, no-one in the media scrum was inclined to lose sight of what they’d just witnessed.
Three outrageous goals, two of which came in stoppage time, had taken the national team back to the World Cup. On a night of unprecedented drama, questions pertaining to what happens next would have felt inappropriate.
Like the rest of the nation, Steve Clarke and his players were fully entitled to bask in the glory of it all. It’s unlikely any of them will experience anything like it again.
Whenever the manager returns from orbit, however, he’ll have a lot to think about. The Greatest Show on Earth is only 203 days away.
A trip to Washington DC for the draw at the Kennedy Centre on December 5 is now etched in the diary.
Steve Clarke enjoys a magical moment with his players and staff at Hampden on Tuesday
Clarke became a Scottish legend the night his team qualified for the World Cup finals
After the celebrations, however, the manager has much to ponder ahead of next summer's tournament
Scotland should be a pot-three team for the expanded 48-team competition. A slice of good fortune that day would not go amiss.
The potential big hitters include holders Argentina, European champions Spain, Brazil, France, England and Germany.
Landing in the same group as one of the three co-hosts - United States, Mexico or Canada - would be the preference. They are pot-one teams despite their FIFA rankings, not because of them.
In that sense, Clarke may be keen to avoid Croatia and Morocco as pot-two sides as, by rights, they should be top seeds. Switzerland, Austria or Ecuador would be a little more favourable.
There’s an even-money chance that the identity of Scotland’s pot-four opponent won’t be known until the conclusion of six play-offs next year (four European and two inter-continental).
Of the six existing possibilities, Cape Verde, Haiti or New Zealand would seem better scenarios than Jordan or Ghana.
Where Scotland play will be almost as important as who they play. The group stage will take place in three time zones - west, central and eastern.
The central region takes in Dallas, Houston and Kansas. It includes three Mexican cities, which presents the issue of playing at altitude.
The 11 men who started Tuesday's seismic match with Denmark are more than likely to make Clarke's squad for the World Cup, injury permitting
Could someone like Harvey Barnes force his way into Clarke's thoughts after the Newcastle winger admitted he wouldn't rule out a switch of allegiance from England?
This would have to be factored into planning. After the draw, the SFA have until January 6 to select one of the 65 team base camps from FIFA’s brochure.
Once the dust begins to settle on this momentous week, the question of which players Clarke takes is going to be the subject of a national debate.
FIFA are considering a proposal to increase the size of squads to 30 - four more than at the Euros - but even that would give the manager huge food for thought.
Clarke has an abundance of talent in some areas of the pitch. Other departments look more threadbare.
From the party which went to Germany, Callum McGregor has since retired, while Liam Cooper, Stuart Armstrong, Ryan Jack and James Forrest have probably had their time. Lewis Morgan and Zander Clark are unlikely to be part of the conversation.
Injury prevented Lyndon Dykes, Lewis Ferguson, Ben Gannon-Doak and Aaron Hickey from playing in the Euros. All would be fancied to be on the transatlantic flight.
You’d expect the same in the case of John Souttar. But what of Craig Gordon, the other man who was cut late on from the party which travelled in 2024?
The keeper, who turns 43 next month, played against Greece and Denmark despite not featuring for Hearts since May 3.
John McGinn and Kenny McLean celebrate one of the truly great nights in Scottish football
Scotland skipper Andy Robertson will be hoping to give the Tartan Army something to cheer during the finals in North America and Mexico
Scott McTominay scored arguably Scotland's greatest ever goal with this outrageous overhead kick as Clarke's team took a 1-0 lead over the Danes
Alexander Schwolow looks to be established as the new No1 at Tynecastle. Gordon’s age is less of a concern than his prospects of playing regularly.
He may have to go out on loan in January to fulfil his dream of playing in a World Cup. That won’t be an easy decision to make if Hearts are still in contention to win the title.
Angus Gunn also has some thinking to do. Currently injured, he’s not played a minute since moving to Nottingham Forest.
For the man who kept goal at the Euros, that needs to be addressed in the New Year if he’s to be in contention to play at the World Cup.
As the only keeper who’s getting a game for his club at this moment, Scott Bain has every incentive to keep performing for Falkirk.
Whichever central defensive pairing starts the first game, you’d expect it to come from two of Souttar, Grant Hanley and Scott McKenna.
Jack Hendry has still been a part of things since moving to Al-Etiffaq. Ryan Porteous has been in international exile since switching to Los Angeles FC. Only an injury could see him recalled.
At full-back, the selections of Andy Robertson, Hickey and Kieran Tierney can be taken for granted. Clarke likes Josh Doig, Ross McCrorie and Anthony Ralston. There will be a question mark beside Max Johnston’s name.
The Scotland players mob Kenny McLean after his audacious lob made it 4-2 to Scotland
It was an unforgettable evening for Clarke and his backroom staff at Hampden Park
Nathan Patterson played in Liechtenstein in June only for his wretched run of injuries to prevent him turning out for Everton. He badly needs to catch a break if he’s to stand any chance of making the squad. Greg Taylor, now with PAOK in Greece, seems out of the running.
It’s the engine room where Scotland are strongest. Clarke will look to take Billy Gilmour, Ferguson, Kenny McLean and Lennon Miller to cover the deeper positions.
Ryan Christie, Scott McTominay and John McGinn are shoo-ins in the more advanced areas. Gannon-Doak’s importance was underscored when he hobbled off against the Danes. If he’s fit, he’s on the flight.
You can never have too many good options. That’s why Clarke’s ears will have pricked up when he heard that Newcastle winger Harvey Barnes was still open to playing for Scotland.
Left-sided, the 27-year-old has been capped once for England in a friendly against Wales but remains eligible to pull on a Dark Blue jersey through his maternal grandparents.
The prime concern is the striker area. Scotland managed just three goals in six matches across Euro 2020 and 2024. Not one came from a striker.
As the Premiership’s top scorer, Lawrence Shankland’s inclusion should be nailed down.
But Che Adams’ limitations were seen in Pireaus, while Lyndon Dykes has scored just twice for Birmingham this season.
Scotland have reached their first World Cup since 1998, now they have to figure out how to make an impact at finals
Kenny McLean scores the wonder lob that left Hampden absolutely breathless on Tuesday
Clarke is famously loyal to his players. That’s an admirable quality, but there must be limits. He has a duty to see if there are better options out there.
George Hirst is in the frame, although five goals from 15 appearances for Ipswich is hardy spectacular.
Tommy Conway has just two in 16 games for Middlesbrough. Kevin Nisbet hasn’t scored for Aberdeen this season, while James Wilson has struggled to feature in a high-flying Hearts side.
Mikael Mandron, St Mirren’s French striker, is eligible through his Aberdonian grandmother. So far, Clarke hasn’t picked up the phone.
No one should expect the manager to be obsessing about such matters just yet. After creating history, he should be allowed time to draw breath and reflect on a never-to-be-forgotten night.
When the draw is made in a fortnight’s time, though, this is all going to feel very real. The Tartan Army are coming to destinations yet unknown. This time, Clarke must ensure he makes it worth their while.
