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Ecstatic Edinburgh fans were ‘in tears’ following Scotland’s historic win against Denmark, propelling them into the World Cup.
The match marks the team’s first World Cup entry since 1998 and the nail-biting game was no disappointment when it came to suspense and payoff.
Edinburgh Live headed down to Three Sisters on Cowgate to catch up with fans during the match at one of the capital’s most iconic sports bars.
Locals and visitors alike celebrated the momentous victory as the ending score tallied at 4-2, with an incredible fourth goal being scored in the final seconds.
Speaking to elated fans – many of whom were in tears – Edinburgh Live caught real-time reactions to the once-in-a-lifetime win.
John Tolmie, 22, said: “I’m feeling pure ecstasy, excitement, happiness. I think I started crying at one point. I just jumped on everyone around me and congratulated them.
“When Scotland went 2-2 I thought they might have a chance. Then they went 3-2. I didn’t ever imagine it would be 4-2. We almost didn’t come out to see the game at the pub but we thought, ‘no, if we won tonight I would’ve been kicking myself for not experiencing something like this.’ It’s something special.”
Finnlay Halley, 19, shared: “It’s unbelievable. This is one of the best days of my life. This tops everything. I’m in tears man, I could cry. When Denmark scored, I thought it was game over. But the boys had it and they took it home for us. They absolutely outperformed themselves they were amazing.”
Deebo Brown, 19, added: “I am 19 years in the process waiting for this moment. I had no hope for this country heading into this World Cup, but they pulled it off. I just can’t believe it.”
Heading into halftime, the mood was more tentative as Scotland held a narrow 1-0 lead. Eyes were glued screens around the Cowgate hotspot, fans praying Scotland would hang onto its lead by the halfway point.
Up at the bar, no one seemed to be facing the bartenders as they ordered, as intent as fans were not to miss an instant of the historic match.
Those I spoke to during halftime were a neurotic mix of anticipation and hope. None had foreseen Scotland’s unexpected lead heading into the second half.
James Masson, an Edinburgh Napier student from Shetland, shared his halftime take. He said: “It’s one of the best Scotland games I’ve ever seen. I came into the game with hope, but I’m still nervy.
“We have a big 45 minutes coming up. I’ve been following football for 18 years. and we’ve not qualified since 1998. I’ve never seen Scotland compete in a World Cup. We’re one half away from something I’ve never seen.”
Then Denmark scored its first goal just minutes into the second half. A resounding cloud of expletives rose from the masses. The stakes had raised in an instant and a wave of stress fell over the crowd.
Soon after, Scotland scored its second goal at 77 minutes, and the crowd lost its head. The tension broke instantly and chants of “No Scotland, no party” began anew. I didn’t realise no one had been smiling until every face in the crowd seemed to bear a grin.
But Denmark’s second goal came with nine minutes to go – Scotland’s lead had lasted just four minutes. Foul moods renewed and the roiling crowd steadied into a knot of angry tension yet again. This was a rollercoaster. The vibrant Christmas decorations seemed drabber than they had just minutes earlier.
With five minutes remaining, I was sure the battle was lost. Midfielder John McGinn took a shot which missed the goal by an inch. By the last two minutes, the crowd was holding its breath. Both teams were presiding over Denmark’s goal, teasing the fans.
As the game went into an extra six minutes, we received sweet relief in the form of Scotland’s third goal. The crowd erupted yet again and this time we knew victory was near. Two minutes remained and it felt like Scotland was in the clear. They just needed to blow the whistle.
And suddenly – in the final seconds – a fourth goal. It was a total upset. Fans had already reached peak euphoria with the third goal and this set them over the edge. Fans were crying, screaming, chanting. People were hugging strangers, banging on the ceiling.
It was truly a historic night across Scotland for football fans. Walking home from Three Sisters, I heard fans calling loved ones, saying “I’m so happy” and “I can’t believe it”. The capital seemed alight with chants and celebration.
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