Scots crash to early goal in Macedonia

(CNN) -- Ilcho Naumoski's fifth minute goal gave Macedonia a great start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, as they went on to upset Scotland 1-0 in the Group 9 encounter in searing temperatures in Skopje.

The goal came when the home team were awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area when Scotland's stand-in captain Stephen McManus was penalized for a challenge on Goran Maznov.

Goce Sedloski took the kick and keeper Craig Gordon diverted the shot onto a post only for Naumoski to pounce and fire the ball home from six yards.

A good many Scottish supporters failed to witness this poor start because those with tickets for the home spectators' end were refused admission by the Macedonian FA.

Graham Robson wasted a chance for the Scots when he shot weakly from a free kick and Goran Pandev was then denied at the other end by a fine block by Gary Caldwell.

Birmingham's James McFadden threatened with an impressive run but his shot was blocked and he headed the rebound wide.

Macedonian penalty claims were waved aside when Maznov tumbled spectacularly under Gordon's challenge and the Scottish keeper then held a shot from Pandev just before the break.

Gordon had to remain alert to prevent Veliche Shumolikoski from scoring with a powerful long range effort and punch away a dangerous cross from Pandev.

McFadden was booked for his protests after claiming a penalty after he tumbled in the box as the keeper dived to grab the ball.

The other match in Group 9 on Saturday saw Scandinavian rivals Norway and Iceland share a 2-2 draw.