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Scotland slump to defeat in Macedonia

06/09/2008

Scotland have started their bid to qualify for the 2010 World Cup with a devastating 1-0 defeat to Macedonia in Skopje.

Macedonia were arguably the weakest opponents in Scotland's group and although they were away from home George Burley's side were hoping to start their qualifying campaign with three points.

A spate of withdrawals from the squad at the start of the week to go along with long-term problems with Barry Ferguson and Alan Hutton did not help the fluency of the Scottish performance but they will be disappointed to come away empty-handed.

Scotland missed a host of opportunities at the end of the first and were denied a second half penalty but Macedonia stayed strong and held on for the win.

Ilcho Naumoski put the hosts ahead after five minutes when he tapped home a rebound off the post.

Macedonia had got a lucky free-kick on the edge of the box which captain Goce Sedloski fired towards goal only for Craig Gordon to tip on to the post. Despite his great save Naumoski was on hand for Macedonia to score.

Scotland were unfortunate that a number of crosses failed to find their target having got themselves into good positions.

The first of these saw Gary Caldwell missed at the far post midway through the first half.

James McFadden then spurned two chances to equalise. Fist he delayed too long on the edge of the area before Petar Milosevski saved his long-range effort.

Macedonia nearly doubled their lead before the break but Caldwell was on hand to get a vital block after the Scottish defence had been cut wide open.

Soon after the break another cross narrowly evaded Darren Fletcher after Gary Naysmith had broken free on the right flank.

Gordon was forced into another smart save before the turning point of the match. McFadden found space in the box and appeared to get clipped by Milosevski but the referee denied Scotland the penalty.

After that Scotland's chances faded and Macedonia were able to snatch the win.

George Burley's men must now take three points from their match against Iceland in Reykjavik on Wednesday.