Scots back on track

The Rangers full-back grabbed the opener to ease the pressure on George Burley's shoulders just days after the national team boss claimed he was a player of "limited ability."

Barry Robson doubled the advantage with the rebound from a saved James McFadden penalty before skipper Stephen McManus was dismissed and Eidur Gudjohnsen netted from the spot to set up a tense finale.

It was Scotland who had the net bulging with 19 minutes gone when Broadfoot met a Robson corner and steered home the opener at the near post from a few yards out.

Scotland could have added to their lead when Shaun Maloney swept the ball into the path of McFadden as he bore down on goal but Kristjan Sigurdsson cleared before the Birmingham forward could unleash the shot.

Iceland had the bulk of possession after the restart as they attempted to haul themselves back into the tie but they found themselves with an even bigger task when Scotland added to their lead after 59 minutes.

McFadden was hauled down in the box by Sigurdsson as he chased a Darren Fletcher free-kick and the referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot. McFadden stepped up for the spot-kick himself and goalkeeper Kjartan Sturluson managed to block. The taker and Robson both pounced on the rebound, with the Celtic midfielder appearing to have the last touch to prod over the line.

Just when it looked like they would cruise to victory, Scotland suffered a double setback when McManus was sent-off for deliberate handball and Iceland were awarded a penalty of their own.

Emil Hallfredsson delivered the cross intended for Heidar Helguson but McManus intercepted the move to push the ball out of play with his hand and, on his 26th birthday, the defender was a given a card he did not want.

Gudjohnsen then converted with ease from the spot when he rifled confidently past Craig Gordon with 76 minutes on the clock.