Davies still upbeat

Scotland 0-0 Norway
Soccer Saturday analysis

Billy Davies told Soccer Saturday that Scotland's hopes of World Cup qualification are still alive, despite only managing a goalless draw against Norway.

Chris Iwelumo was the villain of the piece as he missed an open goal on his international debut, placing the ball wide from just three yards with the goalkeeper stranded.

However, former Derby manager Davies believes George Burley's side can still reach South Africa in 2010, despite having picked up only four points from their first three matches in Group Nine.

"They've made it very difficult for themselves that's for sure and they would have wanted to take three points today, but unfortunately they've only got one," he said.

"All they can do is get there heads down now, pull their sleeves up, march on and try and get the breaks."

Scotland started brightly but created little until the best chance of the game fell to Iwelumo, however after he contrived to miss with the goal at his mercy Scotland never really looked like scoring and Davies revealed that that was the turning point in the game.

"They opened the game really well and they probably deserved to be in front at that stage," he said.

"They started the second half well too and had one or two good chances, but you have to say the Iwelumo's chance was a big one and he's put it passed the post.

"Looking at it again I think the lads maybe got caught in two minds, but after that it has to be said that Norway had some outstanding chances near the death."

Scotland now face the daunting task of going to Holland and Norway and trying to pick up points, however Davies told Soccer Saturday that they are more than capable of doing just that.

"I think they can go away from home and pick up points. It's not dead and buried yet - it is very difficult of course - but they can certainly go away from home and win matches.

"On paper it does look very difficult, but as we all know football isn't played on paper and there's been lot's of strange results in the past. You can only be positive looking towards the remaining games and I'm sure Scotland will go out to win these matches.