Debutant Chris Iwelumo missed an incredible second-half chance as Scotland's 2010 World Cup qualification hopes received a massive blow against Norway at Hampden Park.
The Wolves striker replaced James McFadden in the 58th minute but after Gary Naysmith had set him up with an open goal three yards out, the 30-year-old somehow missed the target to stun the 50,205 fans inside the national stadium in Glasgow.
The draw leaves Scotland with four points from three games and probably needing to win their last five Group Nine matches, including a double-header against Holland, if they are to book their place in South Africa.
Scotland boss George Burley admitted the failure to secure three points was disappointing. "We were looking for three points, no doubt. Both teams needed it today - but unfortunately we only got one," he told Sky Sports 1.
"I thought in the second half we upped the tempo, changed it around and were in the ascendancy. We had a number of chances but couldn't get that goal.
"I thought in the second half we really pushed on and put them under a lot of pressure."
Burley clearly felt for Iwelumo, and admitted his glaring miss was costly.
"It's one of those things where if you mis-hit it or mis-control it it could go in. It didn't go in, but he showed he can play at this level and gave them a lot of problems.
"Overall we are disappointed not to get three points," he added.
"If Chris had scored there, who knows?"
Iwelumo admitted he was "gutted" about his debut miss.
He said: "I had a big chance and I should put them away so I'm disappointed. I just have to bounce back and keep positive.
"I was confident and I put my foot out and it hit the heel. I'm gutted. But it's gone now and I've just got to move on.
"I'm my own worst critic and it's definitely something I'll be thinking about. But I'm a big character and I'll take that one on the chin and move on."
Despite missing the sitter, Iwelumo was determined to take some positives from his debut.
"It was fantastic," he said.
"That's what I'm about, I'm a target-man and I think I'm quite mobile as well.
"I'm there to win headers, link up play with others and make the ball stick and I think that part worked pretty well today.
"It would have been nice to top it off with a goal though."
