Scotland secure vital first win under Burley
McFadden's goal helped put Scotland back in contention in group nine
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Wednesday, 10, Sep 2008 11:18
George Burley has won his first match as Scotland manager after his side beat Iceland 2-1 in their World Cup qualifier in Reykjavik.
Kirk Broadfoot and James McFadden scored the goals for the visitors. Eidur Gudjohnsen got a goal back for Iceland but Scotland were able to hold on despite having captain Stephen McManus sent off.
It was a vital win for Scotland who were bottom of Group Nine after losing 1-0 to Macedonia on Saturday.
Aaron Gunnarsson and Heidar Helguson both had chances for Iceland at the start of the game but having weathered the storm Scotland began to find their passing range.
Midway through the first half Broadfoot put Scotland in front when he rose to head home Barry Robson's corner.
Scotland crosses evaded their targets as they had done on Saturday as the visitors began to apply more pressure following the goal but were pleased to go into half time 1-0 ahead.
Iceland began the second half in much better form and Scotland were thankful that Gary Caldwell was able to get a last-ditch block in before Craig Gordon was forced to tip over Kristjan Sigurdsson's shot.
However, the visitors were handed the chance to relieve some of the pressure on them when they earned a penalty against the run of play.
James McFadden was fouled by Sigurdsson and although the Birmingham City player had his spot kick but was the first to react to the rebound and hammered the ball home.
Despite going further behind Iceland managed to restart the game where they had left off before the penalty and continued to pressurise the Scottish defence.
George Burley' men were happy to try and absorb the Icelandic attacks but it became more difficult when McManus was sent off for handling in the box.
Gudjohnsen converted the resulting penalty leaving the Scots with ten minutes to hang on. However they managed to stave off the home side to complete the win.