Point a solid start but Parken Italy's midfield star feels like proper shame

A STALEMATE in the land of Hans Christian Andersen keeps our hopes of a fairy-tale appearance at the greatest show on earth alive.

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Steve Clarke's Scotland boys fought out a 0-0 at the Parken Stadium as they pulled off a positive start to their World Cup qualifying Group C campaign.

In a game of few chances, Ryan Christie, John McGinn and Lyndon Dykes had opportunities to score but couldn't take them.

But defensively, Scotland were rock solid at the back with John Souttar and Grant Hanley superb.

The point sets Clarke's men up for a trip to Hungary on Monday to face Belarus in a game they must win before two showdowns at Hampden next month.

Scotland were left to defend stoutly for spells in Copenhagen but the manager would have taken a point before a ball was kicked.

The quest to reach the USA, Canada and Mexico next summer has begun, with the Tartan Army praying it ends with qualification.

STEADY START

If Scotland had managed to nick a victory in Denmark, Clarke's pre-match game plan would have worked a treat.

The ploy was clearly to play their way into the game, frustrating the Danes before hopefully grabbing a goal.

His side could not quite manage it, even though there was a spell in the second period when it looked like a goal was coming.

But a goalless game and a point at the Parken Stadium isn't a bad result.

Of course, Scotland will have to play better to qualify for next summer's finals, especially with danger side Greece still to come following their bashing of Belarus.