Scott McTominay scores 'magical' overhead kick to put Scotland ahead in decisive World Cup qualifier

Ed Griffiths

By Ed Griffiths


Published: 18/11/2025

- 20:15

Updated: 18/11/2025

- 20:47

Ben Gannon-Doak curled in a cross, which was met by Scott McTominay, who hung in the air for a perfectly executed bicycle kick

Scott McTominay has scored a "magical" overhead kick to put Scotland ahead in a decisive World Cup qualifier.

Scotland has one chance at securing automatic qualification as they face Denmark.


The game is a must-win; a draw or a loss means they will enter the play-offs.

McTominay put the Scots ahead after just three minutes of play.

Ben Gannon-Doak curled in a cross which was met by Scott McTominay, hanging in the air for a perfectly executed bicycle kick.

The ball flew into the bottom left corner, putting the Scots ahead.

Commentator Ally McCoist reacted to the finish: "Have you ever seen anything like that.

"On the biggest stage of all. With a piece of magic to give Scotland the lead in a must-win."

Scott McTominay

Scott McTominay has scored a bicycle kick

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Scottish tennis legend Andy Murray was among the first to react to the goal.

He wrote on X: "What on earth was that? Mctominay, you wee dancer!"

Another fan wrote: "The greatest footballer on the planet."

A third added: "That goal alone deserves to send us to the World Cup."

Scott McTominay

Scott McTominay sprinted to the centre of the tunnel, looking up to his loved ones and blowing a kiss

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PA

A fourth questioned: "What did I just witness?"

Despite their strong start, Scotland suffered an early injury blow when the goal-assister, Gannon-Doak, went down, forcing him to be stretchered off.

Since then, Denmark has been on the front foot with Rasmus Hojlund celebrating the ball in the back of the net before his celebrations were cut short as the referee ruled it out for a push.

Scotland has managed to hang on to their 1-0 lead until half-time.

\u200bGannon-Doak

Gannon-Doak went down injured, forcing him to be stretchered off

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Sitting one point behind the Danes in Group C, Steve Clarke’s side know that only a win will be enough to leapfrog their rivals and secure a long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage.

The group winner qualifies directly for the World Cup, while the runner-up drops into the European play-offs.

Scotland’s hopes took a hit after their recent loss to Greece, but Denmark’s unexpected draw with Belarus handed the Scots a lifeline and ensured this final match would decide the group.

Clarke has urged his players to embrace the occasion rather than be intimidated by it, insisting that the team are capable of achieving the required result if they play to their potential.

A victory would end Scotland’s 28-year absence from the tournament, adding to the manager’s achievements after leading the team to consecutive European Championships.