Scotland 0 Norway 0: how they rated at Hampden

SCOTLAND

CRAIG GORDON

Came out on top against the Norwegian strikers. Made two good stops from Carew and did well to block Iversen's late effort. Looked a bit suspect, however, from cross balls, and still needs to work on this part of his game.

7

KIRK BROADFOOT

Never really troubled at the back and was often seen bombing forward. Made a great run forward in the last minute and sent in a sumptuous cross that was just begging to be put away. A thoroughly acceptable performance.

7

DAVID WEIR

Got caught out by a through-ball late in the game but made two crucial blocks, the first of which was probably a goal-saving tackle on Carew. Found the Norwegians' pace and movement hard to get to grips with at times.

6

GARY CALDWELL

Centre-back made a vital tackle on Carew on eight minutes, and from then on performed stoutly at the back. Dealt well with the pace and movement of the Norwegian front line. Bailed Gordon out with a header at a corner.

7

GARY NAYSMITH

A quiet first half in which the left-back struggled to get involved. A different player in the second half. Linked brilliantly with Brown and put in a great ball that Iwelumo should have scored from. Defended well enough.

7

SCOTT BROWN

Typically tigerish and energetic in the middle of the pitch, he was strong in the tackle. Always willing to carry the ball forward and relieve his defence. Had a blinder of a second half, driving Scotland forward.

7

DARREN FLETCHER

Captain for the day had an usually quiet opening half, never really getting on the ball to prompt Scotland forward. Involved more in the second period, but didn't have the same impact as Brown or Robson.

6

BARRY ROBSON

Didn't really feature at all in the first half but made amends with a fine second 45 minutes. Saw a vicious half-volley held well by Knudsen and was a willing carrier of the ball as Scotland pressed for the winner.

7

JAMES MORRISON

Missed Scots' best chance of the first half when he headed over James McFadden's lofted ball from just inside the six-yard box. Didn't support attack often enough though and was replaced by Steven Fletcher on 57 minutes.

6

JAMES MCFADDEN

Looked bright when on the ball and constantly ran at the Norwegian defence. Best moment was floated ball to Morrison on stroke of half time. Much to the Tartan Army's dismay, replaced by Chris Iwelumo on 57 minutes.

6

SHAUN MALONEY

Failed to get into promising areas in the first half but got on the ball more in the second. Shot wide on 72 minutes after brilliantly creating space for himself and then saw a net-bound effort three minutes later deflected behind by Riise.

7

SUBSTITUTES

Chris Iwelumo (for McFadden, 57) How he contrived to miss from Naysmith's cut-back is anyone's guess. Actually linked up well with teammates after his shocking gaffe, but will always be remembered for it.

4

Steven Fletcher (for Morrison, 57) Battled away but sclaffed a good chance wide late on. Industrious.

6

NORWAY

JON KNUDSEN

The 33-year-old goalkeeper dealt diligently with balls into the box and distribution was sound throughout. Probably expected to make more saves than he had to on debut – his main piece of action was holding Robson's strike.

7

JOHN INGE HOILAND

Went mainly unnoticed in the first half as he held firm in defence. Found the going tough as Scots pushed for a goal down the right flank and was left exposed on a few occasions. Never really supported the attack.

5

KJETIL WAEHLER

Proved ample foil for Hangeland in the centre of the defence. Saw a late diving header from a corner creep wide and was committed in the tackle. Did, however, pick up a booking for a cynical 51st-minute tackle on Barry Robson.

7

BREDE HANGELAND

Big defender marshalled the back line brilliantly. Solid on the deck and a lighthouse in the air, he dealt with almost all of Scotland's long balls and kept the Scots forwards at bay. A constant threat from set plays too.

8

JOHN ARNE RIISE

The Roma full-back is always a danger from set pieces and showed his menace with long throws and direct crosses. Never looked troubled in defence and always willing to burst forward when possible. A tidy display.

7

BJORN HELGE RIISE

Something of a surprise inclusion in the Norway side, the 25-year-old never really got going and was fairly subdued throughout. His game came to a premature end when substituted by Daniel Braaten on 56 minutes.

5

FREDERIK STROMSTAD

Le Mans paid good money for this tricky midfielder and he showed his skill and flair with numerous flicks and good runs. Supported Iversen and Carew and always a handful for Kirk Broadfoot. Made way for Morten Gamst Pedersen.

7

CHRISTIAN GRINDHEIM

Heerenveen midfielder is seen as one of Norway's brightest talents. Slightly over-awed in the first half but had a long-range effort which flew over. Did well in the second half in his defensive work against a Scottish onslaught.

6

FREDERIK WINSNES

Charged with protecting the back four, the 32-year-old broke up the play in front of him well and offered an outlet for Hangeland and Waehler. Fairly quiet in the second period as Scotland pushed for the goal.

6

STEFFEN IVERSEN

Shrugged off injury to take his place up front with Carew. Had a good understanding with the Villa man but should have scored on 85 minutes with a shot that Gordon saved well. Booked late on for a crude challenge on Maloney.

6

JOHN CAREW

By far the best Norwegian player. Power and pace caused Scotland all sorts of problems. Twice denied by Gordon and then saw an effort right at the death deflected over by Caldwell. A sterling display.

8

SUBSTITUTES

Daniel Braaten (for B.H. Riise, 56) Bolton forward did very little apart from foul a few Scottish players.

5

Morten Gamst Pedersen (for Stromstad, 77) Only on the pitch for 13 minutes but made a real impression. Played a delightful ball in for Iversen, which should have been converted.

7

Ratings by Mark Atkinson