Scotland Coach Praises Scott McTominay's Bicycle Kick Goal: "The Best I've Ever Seen"

Scott McTominay's beautiful goal contributed to Scotland's victory against Denmark (Instagram/@scotlandnationalteam).

JAKARTA - Scotland manager Steve Clarke praised Scott McTominay's stunning overhead kick as his team defeated Denmark 4-2 on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, early morning WIB.

The goal helped Scotland qualify for the 2026 World Cup after topping Group C, edging Denmark.

The Napoli midfielder stunned a packed Hampden Park with his acrobatic opening goal, which set off a dramatic night against Denmark.

"Scott McTominay scored the best overhead kick I've ever seen. It was probably the best goal of the night!" Clarke told BBC Scotland.

The match became tense when Rasmus Hojlund equalized 1-1 from the penalty spot shortly after the second half.

The odds then turned in Scotland's favor as Denmark were reduced to 10 men in the 61st minute when Rasmus Kristensen was sent off.

This numerical advantage marked the beginning of Scotland's comeback, with Clarke immediately changing his system.

"It's a mixed bag, up and down. Sometimes you're looking for solutions and figuring out how to change it. I knew we'd have to play with two forwards at some point."

"I felt Denmark dominated us a bit. It felt like the right time (to make a change). Whether it's with 10 or 11 (players), we'll do it."

"I spoke to Kieran (Tierney) before the first game. He's a key player for me, one of my players."

"I have a lot of players like that. Fourteen players were involved in the qualifying match. It was emotional," said Clarke.

Substitute Kieran Tierney eventually put Scotland ahead 3-2 after Lawrence Shankland's goal (78') was equalized by Patrick Dorgu (82').

Tierney unleashed a brilliant curling shot from outside the penalty area to give Scotland a 3-2 lead in injury time.

Kenny McLean then sealed a resounding victory for Scotland when he lofted the ball over Kasper Schmeichel from the halfway line with the final kick of the game.

"I said, 'Listen, Aaron Hickey can't play two games in a row. I saw him (McLean) playing at right-back and doing really well for us.'

"I'm not sure I envisioned the goal, but when the ball rolled back to him on his left foot, I knew he was going to score."

"When Kenny kicked it, I was thinking, 'What is he doing?' But when I saw it fly, I thought, 'It's going in!'"

That dramatic victory over Denmark secured Scotland's place in their first World Cup finals since 1998.