Soccer: We can still qualify - Brown

Craig Brown insisted Scotland could still make it through to the World Cup finals after being held to a 2-2 draw by Belgium at Hampden Park.

Ten-man Belgium claimed a vital point with a stoppage-time equaliser that kept them top of their qualifying group.

Scotland had led 2-0 at half time through a double from Rangers striker Billy Dodds.

"When you are two goals up against 10 men, you should not lose," said Brown.

"I am not pointing the finger of blame at anyone but we were slack at the back for both goals and that is worrying.

"There are no excuses but it seems we are better battling to get back into a game than we are at killing one off.

"We had chances to bury them in the second half but couldn't do it and in the end paid the penalty for that."

Brown must now try and rouse his team for the San Marino encounter, his team's last qualifier before the vital double-header with Croatia and Belgium in September.

"It feels like a defeat because of the timing of Belgium's equaliser," he said.

"But we shouldn't underestimate the achievement of getting a draw against Belgium. They are a very good side.

"In terms of chances created and balance of play a draw was probably a fair result.

"We have now proved we are capable of matching both Croatia and Belgium and getting results against them both and this group is still wide open."

Brown also paid tribute to the 37,000 Scottish fans who turned up to support his team, even though SFA officials will have been disappointed that Hampden was only two-thirds full.

"It is the supporters I feel sorry for most," Brown told Sky Sports 1.

"It was the best support we have had for a long time and they were tremendous right to the end.

"The whole country is on a downer now but we will come back and lift them again - hopefully by qualifying for the World Cup finals."