Scotland held 0-0 by Slovenia

GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) -- Scotland was held to a 0-0 draw by Slovenia in its opening World Cup qualifying match Wednesday, putting more pressure on coach Berti Vogts.

The Scots had numerous chances throughout the match at Hampden Park but couldn't get a breakthrough.

In the first half, James McFadden forced Slovenia goalkeeper Borut Mavric to tip one shot over the bar and sent a curling effort dipping past the far post. Barry Ferguson sent a free kick over the bar.

Slovenia had a chance through Ermin Siljak, whose shot was parried by Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon. Nastja Ceh collected the rebound but kicked the ball over the bar.

In the second, Mavric tipped over a Nigel Quashie shot and Fletcher sent a free kick over the top.

For Slovenia, substitute Klemen Lavric headed wide and Gordon palmed away a Ceh free kick and clambered to prevent another of his attempts dribbling over the line. Milenko Acimovic, who scored all three goals in Slovenia's 3-0 win over Moldova on Saturday, also sent the ball over the bar.

Scotland failed to qualify for Euro 2004, losing to the Netherlands in a playoff. It also missed the 2002 World Cup after which Vogts, who led Germany to the 1996 European Championship title, was hired.

Lineups:

Scotland -- Craig Gordon, Gary Caldwell, Andy Webster, Malcolm Mackay, Gary Naysmith (Gary Holt, 59th), Darren Fletcher, Barry Ferguson, Jackie McNamara, Nigel Quashie, Paul Dickov (Stephen Crawford, 80th), James McFadden.

Slovenia -- Borut Mavric, Amir Karic, Aleksander Knavs, Matej Mavric, Jalen Pokorn, Simon Seslar, Nastja Ceh, Andrej Komac, Zlatko Dedic (Goran Sukalo, 80th), Ermin Siljak, Milenko Acimovic.

Referee -- Claus Bo-Larsen, Denmark.

(knr-rjm)