But they did it. Scotland are going to the Euros after an epic night in Belgrade ended a 22-year wait to return the Tartan Army to a major men’s football tournament once again.
It took penalties again, and immense character after the Serbian sucker-punch in the last minute cancelled Ryan Christie’s goal and sent the game to extra-time and then penalties, but Scotland held their nerves and won their second shootout in as many months.
Here’s how Scotland’s players, and boss Steve Clarke, rated on the night.
Scale - 10: One of the best performances you've seen. 9: Outstanding. 8: Very good. 7: Good. 6: Average. 5: Poor, 4: Very poor. 3: A terrible day at the office. 2: Abysmal. 1: One of the worst performances you've seen.
9. John McGinn - 7
Midfielder buzzed forward into spaces made for him by Christie in the first half and throughout was either a positive influence or a pest depending on the colour of your jersey . Maybe should have tested more of the goalkeeper in the first half. Replaced by McLean. Photo: Nikola Krstic - SNS Group
10. Ryan Christie - 9
Unselfish in side-to-side work in the first half moving defenders for others, took the game on himself in the second half and combined brilliantly with McGregor, and got the goal. Not the first time he's been Scotland's main man and was almost a national hero - but now shares the plinth with Marshall. Photo: Nikola Krstic - SNS Group
11. Lyndon Dykes - 8
Pity poor Nikola Milenković - he was ragdolled by the striker throughout the first half and combative play and fearless leaps were key for Scotland's early gameplan. Was missed when he went off for extra-time (Photo by Nikola Krstic / SNS Group) Photo: Nikola Krstic - SNS Group
12. Steve Clarke - 8
Bold team selection raised eyebrows but O'Donnell didn't let him down. Changes to see out the game didn't materialise but boss has led the country to the Euro's and that was the task he was given. Photo: Srdjan Stevanovic