Scotland came from behind to salvage an embarrassing 2-2 draw with the Faroe Islands after producing a poor performance in their opening European championship group five qualifier. The home side, ranked 123rd in the world rankings, were 2-0 up inside the opening 12 minutes thanks to two goals from Jon Petersen. But second-half strikes from Paul Lambert and Barry Ferguson earned Scotland a draw.
The visitors were fortunate to grab a point in the confined bumpy surrounds of the Toftir Stadium after the Faroe Islands missed a number of clear chances in the second half. It was the second time Scotland had failed to beat the Faroes at home, drawing 1-1 there in another European championship qualifier in 1999.
Scotland manager Berti Vogts is still without a win in six games after replacing Craig Brown as manager in April. Scotland's Group 5 opponents include Germany, Lithuania and Iceland.
Elsewhere in Group 9, Wales beat Finland 2-0 in Helsinki thanks to goals from John Hartson and Simon Davies to get their campaign off to an ideal start. In a friendly at Villa Park, Alan Smith gave England the lead with a header on 40 minutes before Costinha did the same at the other end 11 minutes from time to force a deserved draw.
Filed by Shane Murray
