October 6 2001

Dougie Freedman

Dougie Freedman scored on his Scotland debut and played an influential part in the game against Latvia as they ran out 2-1 winners at Hampden Park.

Palace's other international Andrejs Rubins put the Latvians in a deserved lead in the 21st minute when he right-footed past Neil Sullivan from a Verpakovskis pull back on the right.

Freedman looked lively throughout and had a header loop just over the bar on 37. But he then got the equaliser from a header right on the line which took a slight defelction off Rubins.

Latvia caused the Scots a constant problem on the counter attack through Rubins and Verpakovskis, who both had chances to score.

David Weir put Scotland 2-1 up eight minutes after the break to seal the win with a header past Eagles' keeper Alex Kolinko. Freedman could have added a third in the 82nd minute, but he blazed his shot over the bar.

The win was not enough for the Scots to clinch second spot and their World Cup dreams are over.

England will be thanking Aki Riihilahti and his Finland side, who held the Germans to a 0-0 draw in Germany.

With England snatching a last-gasp David Beckham equaliser against Greece, the point was enough as Germany couldn't get the win needed and now face a play-off.

Clinton Morrison came on in the 68th minute in Ireland's game against Cyprus. He had a couple of half chances to score in their 4-0 win and the Irish will now have a play-off game for the finals.

On Friday, Wayne Carlisle played in Northern Ireland under 21s' 2-2 draw with Malta under 21s.

Gareth Williams came on as a late substitute to make his debut for Wales under 21s and scored in their 2-1 defeat to Belarus.