Scotland will contest the World Cup 2022 play-offs next year after a comfortable win over Moldova in qualification Group F's penultimate match.
After an early barrage of chances and a couple of nervy moments, Rangers right-back Nathan Patterson opened the scoring with a fabulous finish from the right.
He then created Che Adams' goal after half-time as head coach Steve Clarke's side enjoyed another successful night on the big stage. Craig Gordon was called into action late on as the Scotland goalkeeper saved Vadim Rata's penalty.
Scotland haven't been to a World Cup since France 1998 but this win puts the team as close as they ever have been to the big stage since.
Work in qualification isn't done yet as Denmark come to Hampden on Monday to round off proceedings - with the game still important in terms of Scotland's play-off seeding
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So much was riding on this match. Win, and a play-off place to reach the World Cup in Qatar was achieved. Seeding placement with a result against Denmark could only pondered when the main objective was completed.
That could be done away from home as a fifth win on the bounce was targeted. It was almost a dream start as after three minutes, Che Adams had the ball in the net, only for it to be ruled out.
Billy Gilmour had a go moments later as the first goal seemed to beckon. Scotland were obviously hoping it wouldn't come for Moldova, and a smart reflex stop by Gordon to deny Artur Ionita ensured that.
Captain Andy Robertson also had a go at scoring but the goal would come from opposite full-back Patterson. John McGinn's excellent build-up play set the Rangers man up to find the bottom corner.
It set the scene for an important second half which would define whether Scotland contested for a World Cup spot next year. No encouragement could be shown to Moldova.
Patterson was instrumental against for Scotland as Clarke's men doubled their tally. A super flick by the ever-impressive McGinn put in the Rangers star, who fed Adams for an easy finish.
It was game over as a play-off spot was booked, Liam Cooper going close to adding a third. Moldova had a huge chance through Rata, as Patterson was deemed to have handled the ball inside the box.
Gordon made the penalty stop but Kieran Tierney got back in lightning-quick time to clear the danger as a tap-in looked ominous.
After that brief moment, celebrations continued as Scotland begin looking to even bigger occasions.
Minimal fuss
Did... Scotland just win a game in routine fashion? Outside a couple of chances for Moldova, Clarke's side never looked like doing anything other than winning.
As they should be, the class of McGinn and other overpowered Moldova and put them into submission. Even the late penalty couldn't frighten Scotland.
More goals could have been added and Adams had two chopped for offside. But it's job done and Scotland can now look forward to the play-offs.
Big moment beckons
Patterson ultimately cemented his place at right-back further with this display. The goal will be looked at in particular, but overall, his attacking threat was apparent as he created Adams' effort too.
It looks as if it's his position to lose after Motherwell captain Stephen O'Donnell held the mantle for so long.
Graham Alexander's skipper will have a big moment against Denmark though, surely.
The full-back is currently joint-top of the Steelmen's Scotland cap charts and will go clear in first if selected against Denmark.
On a roll
There was plenty of negativity around the national team after a loss to Denmark. The qualification campaign was on a knife-edge and the football perhaps wasn't pretty to watch.
Clarke has stuck to his principles and it's got the team motoring. He's got Scotland to the Euros, and now a World Cup play-off.
He's not reached another major tournament quite yet, but Clarke is so close to cementing himself as one of the great Scotland manager's.
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