Scotland fans shook the earth as they celebrated their historic World Cup qualification, with the tremors being picked up by the UK’s national earthquake monitoring agency.
The equivalent of an ‘extremely small earthquake’ was picked up by the British Geological Survey (BGS) after Kenny McLean’s halfway line stunner in stoppage time at Hampden Park.
Supporters inside the ground urged him to take on the audacious effort, and when the ball sensationally lobbed Denmark keeper Kasper Schmeichel to secure the 4-2 win, it sent the stadium into frenzy.
A second significant moment of seismic activity came at the sound of the final whistle, as the Scots secured their place at the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
The BGS recorded the readings of 200kW of power – enough to power between 25 and 40 car batteries – at the Glasgow Geothermal Observatory in Dalmarnock, which is around 2km from Hampden Park.
A third ripple was also detected when Kieran Tierney came off the bench to bend the ball into the back of the net to put the Scots 3-2 up.
The main peak of activity was recorded between 21:48 and 21:50 just as McLean scored.
An official attendance of 49,587 were inside the stadium f the match.
The equivalent of an ‘extremely small earthquake’ was picked up by the British Geological Survey (BGS) after Kenny McLean’s halfway line stunner in stoppage time
Supporters inside the ground urged him to take on the audacious effort, and when the ball sensationally lobbed Denmark keeper Kasper Schmeichel to secure the 4-2 win, it sent the stadium into frenzy
The peaks recorded during the game against Denmark as Scotland secure their World Cup place. Pic: British Geological Survey
The incredible the earth-shaking goals have also gone viral, along with the commentary moments and jubilant celebrations from fans after the match
BBC Sport co-commentators Steven Thompson and James McFadden – men who both knew pain playing for the Tartan Army – went viral for their gleeful reactions as their two stoppage-time goals flew in on Tuesday night.
Over in Las Vegas, Ally McCoist let fly with his own ecstatic reaction and was left with a hoarse voice for his troubles.
‘Man alive! I’m absolutely, voice is gone,’ the Scotland legend said in a hilarious Instagram video. ‘Buzzing with a capital B! Buzzing, capital B!’
The win sealed Scotland’s return to the World Cup for the first time since France ’98 and continues the progress seen under Clarke, who has already led his side to back-to-back European Championship berths to make himself the national team’s most successful manager ever.
Scotland captain Andy Robertson, who conceded the penalty that led to Denmark’s first equaliser, described the occasion as one of the ‘craziest’ he has been involved in.
‘We are going to the World Cup, I can’t believe it,’ he told the BBC’s Kelly Cates, daughter of Celtic, Liverpool and Scotland legend Kenny Dalglish. ‘This could be the last chance I have of getting to the World Cup.’
And as the players celebrated wildly on the pitch, famous fans of the Tartan Army took to social media to share their excitement at having qualified.
A second significant moment of seismic activity came at the sound of the final whistle, as the Scots secured their place at the World Cup for the first time since 1998
Scotland’s players and supporters will now turn their attention to the World Cup draw, which takes place on Friday, 5 December at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC at 5pm
‘Yessssssssssssssssssss! Never in doubt Scotland (Scottish flag emoji),’ Murray posted on X. ‘North America here we come (red heart emoji).’
The two-time Wimbledon champion had likely been watching with his heart in his mouth, having previously posted in the wake of McTominay’s opening wonder-goal.
‘What an earth was that (multiple love-heart-eyes emojis),’ Murray shared with his followers. ‘McTominay you wee dancer!’
Comedian Kevin Bridges also showed his pride in the team’s achievements, posting: ‘Genuinely can’t see anyone other than Scotland winning this World Cup. What a team man.’
Scotland’s players and supporters will now turn their attention to the World Cup draw, which takes place on Friday, 5 December at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC at 5pm.
The tournament, staged across the United States, Mexico and Canada from 11 June to 19 July, will be the biggest in history with 48 teams involved.
