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Burley: We deserved something from Macedonia defeat

06/09/2008

Scotland manager George Burley claimed his side deserved something following their 1-0 defeat to Macedonia in their World Cup qualifier in Group eight.

Macedonia went ahead in the fifth minute but Scotland could not get back into the match despite creating a number of chances.

The visitors were also denied a penalty and Burley felt their effort was worthy of a draw.

Despite the result Burley, who was managing Scotland in his first meaningful international since taking over from Walter Smith, said the team should still be proud.

"It is disappointing to lose, but the whole of the second half we dominated the game," Burley told Setanta Sports.

"In this heat to keep playing and putting them under pressure, we had a number of occasions, so we are disappointed but we finished with a lot of pride."

Burley says the players told him it was a certain penalty and claims he felt it was a foul from his position on the bench but did not want to criticise the referee too much.

He added: "I thought overall the referee had a good game, but that decision I think he got wrong."

Burley explained that early goal had made their task all the harder but was pleased with how his team responded in the second half.

He said: "You are coming here and it is hot, so to concede after five minutes is not good."

"We played good football, passed it well, got in some good positions and their keeper has made some good saves. We completely dominated. I thought we deserved something."

Scotland will hope to get their qualifying campaign back on track against Iceland on Wednesday.