Scotland's dramatic 4-2 victory over Denmark last year sealed their return to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998 — and for winger Ryan Christie, it remains the greatest match he has ever witnessed, including every game he has played in.

"So many people spoke to me after the game," Christie told FourFourTwo. "Down in Bournemouth, my wife has pals who don't know the first thing about football, but said they were crying watching it. It seemed to transcend the sport."

"You couldn't write that ending if you tried," he added. "I've been saying to people it's the best game I've ever seen live — and I played in it! It was such a cool thing to be part of. They were three of the best goals ever scored by Scotland."

Three goals for the ages

The Hampden showpiece produced a trio of strikes that have already entered Scottish football folklore. Scott McTominay opened proceedings with an outrageous overhead kick in the first half, before Kieran Tierney unleashed a spectacular long-range effort deep into stoppage time. Moments later, Kenny McLean spotted Kasper Schmeichel off his line and finished audaciously from his own half to cap an unforgettable night.

When asked to choose between the three, Christie pointed to McTominay's acrobatic effort — though he was quick to acknowledge what followed. "I've got to go for Scott McTominay's, because it was completely ridiculous to even try something like that," he said. "But for Kieran Tierney to hit a ball like that under pressure — a bouncing ball coming towards you — and then Kenny McLean to put the icing on the cake from the halfway line. It was incredible."

A night built on unity

For Christie, the result was about far more than individual brilliance. Scotland had endured decades of near-misses and heartbreak since their last World Cup appearance, qualifying for Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 under manager Steve Clarke before finally clinching a place at the biggest stage of all.

"It was like fate in football," Christie reflected. "When you have a group of players who are that together, and willing to work hard for each other and their country, it plays a part in these things happening. You pay your dues."

"It was one of the best nights for Scottish football," he concluded, "and I feel very proud to have been a part of it."