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.
1. David Marshall - 9
No chance with the goal - a textbook attacking header. Made an unbelievable stop in extra-time and then became a national hero to deny Mitrovic and send the country single-handedly - left-handed - to the Euro's.
Photo: ANDREJ ISAKOVIC
2. Kieran Tierney - 7
Solid but steady at the back in the three-man defence. No buccaneering runs and fairly quiet, but well marshalled and put body on the line countless times.
Photo: Srdjan Stevanovic
3. Declan Gallagher - 8
First half booking blotted his copybook a little but didn't hold him back in the tussle with Mitrovic who he kept so, so quiet. A real find for Steve Clarke at international level. Does what he's good at - defending - and STILL unbeaten.
Photo: Srdjan Stevanovic
4. Scott McTominay - 7
So composed and passed out from the back. Ability to pick out forward so precisely means his midfield abilities were not wasted further back. Much more comfortable in the role - but switched off for the equaliser.
Photo: ANDREJ ISAKOVIC