Craig: We can't say heat was downfall

Sep 7 2008 By Gordon Waddell

CRAIG GORDON last night refused to blame the searing Skopje heat for Scotland's world cup hopes melting away.

The Sunderland No.1 had an outstanding game between the sticks but could do nothing to help the 10 in front of him claw back the fifth-minute goal he lost.

But he said: "We don't want to use the conditions as an excuse. We looked stronger than them towards the end but we just couldn't get the equaliser.

"We have to pick ourselves up for Wednesday though.

"For professional players the easy part is getting your body in the right state to play a game. The mental side is a bit harder.

"Over the next few days we'll need to replenish our fluids and make sure we eat the right foods.

"The conditions were difficult but the boys handled them well. We can't blame the heat at all.

"We knew it would be tough in advance and the boys have all been willing to put their bodies through it.

"People may claim this wasn't the right game to start with. But if we had won 1-0 everyone would have said it was a great idea to get it over with early."

Gordon was desperately unlucky at the goal - touching the free-kick on to the post before the Macedonians netted the loose ball.

And he admitted: "I'm pleased to have played my part and I did everything I could in the performance.

"I wouldn't say we were unfortunate because we don't want to go down that road. But we had chances to score.

"We went out there with a positive approach and we'll have to do the same on Wednesday because we need the points.

"It's difficult to say what the manager will do, whether he'll play two up again or what. But it suits us to play like that.

"It is certainly more attacking and it's geared towards getting a goal.

"Unfortunately that didn't happen today and once they scored it became more difficult.

"I wouldn't say Macedonia sat in too much though.

"You could see them looking for the second goal.

"Credit must go to them."