World Cup qualifying: No goals in Scotland or Copenhagen

8 September 2012 19:12

Scotland began their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 0-0 draw against Serbia at Hampden Park on Saturday.

The Serbs, who had won just one of their last ten matches, were worth their point but Scotland manager Craig Levein will be sure to reflect on a largely wasteful afternoon in front of goal for his side.

Steven Naismith was the main culprit as he missed a golden chance to secure all three points when he was put clean through in the second half, but his indecision cost him dearly as his effort sailed wide of Vladimir Stojkovic's post.

Serbia created numerous chances, as their technical superiority often told, but found Allan McGregor in top form as he served up fantastic stops to deny Aleksandar Kolarov, Danko Lazovic and Dusko Tadic.

For both sides, it can be seen as a hard-fought point, but after Levein insisted his side were capable of winning every game in the group, it may well be the Scots that will go away the more frustrated with this result.

In Group B, Denmark and the Czech Republic played out a 0-0 draw in Copenhagen.

Morten Olsen's hosts dominated the first half without reward and they also had their chances after the break.

But Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech held firm for the Czechs as both teams left with a point.