Austria capitalise on Scottish errors

Scotland 0-2 Austria
A mistake by Scotland goalkeeper Paul Gallacher summed up the home side's performance as they were defeated 2-0 by hard-working Austria on Wednesday night.

First-choice absentees
Scotland were without first-choice midfield players Paul Lambert and Barry Ferguson, on a night that saw Craig Burley return to international football for the first time since October 2001, when Craig Brown was still in charge of the side.

Kirchler connects
However, Burley's comeback did not prove particularly happy. Dundee United FC keeper Gallacher was dispossessed by SK Sturm Graz's Mario Haas on 32 minutes and the striker was able to slide the ball into the empty net to double the visitors' lead. Five minutes earlier, Roland Kirchler had nudged Austria, chasing the Netherlands and the Czech Republic in Group 3, ahead. It was an advantage they were never to relinquish.

Impovements required
Scotland, watched by a crowd of just 12,189 at the 52,000-capacity Hampden Park, played with more purpose after the half-time interval but will have to improve further when they entertain Germany on 7 June if they are to retain joint-top spot in Group 5.

Brunmayr chance