Scotland World Cup dreams over

Scotland's World Cup hopes were shattered when a late strike from Holland substitute Eljero Elia denied them second place in Group Nine and any hope of a play-off spot for South Africa after the 1-0 defeat.

Kenny Miller hit the woodwork and squandered another great opportunity in the first half as George Burley's men gave their all in front of a packed and passionate Hampden.

However, their efforts were in vain as their visitors maintained their 100% record in the campaign, while Norway's victory over Macedonia saw the Scandinavians snatch the runners-up spot instead.

There was a major let-off for the Scots with just four minutes on the clock when Dirk Kuyt unleashed a ferocious shot from the edge of the box which smacked off David Marshall's left-hand post.

Miller went close and Scotland were threatening again moments later when Alan Hutton flighted a lovely ball to the back post but Scott Brown stabbed agonisingly wide of the upright.

Scotland had enjoyed a period of pressure without being able to capitalise and it was a full-stretch Marshall who was called into action to keep the scoreline level when he tipped a well-struck shot from Wesley Sneijder over the crossbar.

With half an hour gone, it was Scotland's turn to be denied by the woodwork. Brown flicked into the path of Miller and he managed to shrug off Joris Mathijsen only to rifle off the crossbar with no-one able to follow up.

The Rangers striker then squandered another great chance to hand the Scots the lead. A long-range shot from Naismith was touched onto the post by Michel Vorm, before Miller pounced on the rebound and fired straight into the arms of the goalkeeper when it looked so much easier to score.

Still the Dutch pressed for the opener and Marshall came to the rescue with an excellent stop to prevent an angled drive from Arjen Robben finding the back of the net.

Substitute Elia found the back of the net with eight minutes remaining when David Weir inadvertently nodded the ball into his path and he sent an angled drive into the back of the net despite the efforts of Alan Hutton on the line.