Lights go out on Scotland

Vogts praise for Scotland

A power cut brought Scotland's friendly with Spain to a halt after 59 minutes, with the score tied at 1-1.

The Scots took an 18th-minute lead when James McFadden's curling free-kick clipped the head of Valencia midfielder Ruben Baraja and flew into the net.

Stevie Crawford found himself in behind the home defence twice but shot at keeper Iker Casillas on both occasions.

Spain drew level when Raul converted a 57th minute penalty before the lights went out at Valencia's Levante Stadium.

The Scotland performance was a timely boost ahead of next week's World Cup qualification opener with Slovenia.

Malky Mackay was outstanding at the heart of the Scottish defence, while Gary Caldwell and Jackie McNamara also caught the eye.

High winds, driving rain and a poor playing surface made life difficult for both sides but the visitors created the best chances.

Jackie McNamara impressed in a defensive midfield role

Early in the game Spanish defender Carlos Marchena saw a shot half blocked after the ball had been fired into a crowded box. Fernando Torres was first to the loose ball but his attempted lob was off target.

Then the Scots almost went in front when Barry Ferguson fired a free-kick into the box that deceived Casillas and almost bounced in.

Carles Puyol was able to hack off the line but the reprieve was short-lived when McFadden fired in a free-kick from an acute angle on the right and Casillas was beaten by a deflection off Baraja.

Asier Del Horno headed over a free-kick from Jose Antonio Reyes at the far post as the home side struggled to impose themselves.

There was a great chance for the Scots in the 28th minute when Darren Fletcher sent Crawford galloping clear of Puyol.

But he could not beat the Real Madrid goalkeeper as Casillas blocked with his legs.

Raul leads the Spanish players off as the match is abandoned

Another opportunity came Crawford's way ten minutes later when the striker nipped in between two defenders but again Casillas was in the way.

Real Betis winger Joaquin blasted a long-range shot over the crossbar as the Scots continued to defend doggedly after the break.

But the hosts were level after 57 minutes when Raul stroked home a penalty kick.

Reyes was caught in a sandwich between McNamara and Andy Webster after keeper Craig Gordon had hesitated coming for a long ball and Raul was given time to try and pick out his team-mate.

Minutes later, the stadium was plunged into darkness when the floodlights failed after a lightning strike.

Torrential rain followed which left the pitch flooded and forced all the spectators to flee from the largely uncovered stadium.

After a mandatory 15 minute wait, referee Stephane Bre abandoned the match.

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Spain: Casillas, Lopez Rekarte, Del Horno, Marchena, Puyol, Alonso, Joaquin, Baraja, Torres, Reyes, Tamudo. Subs: Canizares, Helguera, Salgado, Romero, Albelda, Raul, Vicente, Morientes, Victor, Valeron, Juanito.

Scotland: Gordon, Caldwell, Webster, Mackay, Naysmith, McNamara, Fletcher, Quashie, Ferguson, McFadden, Crawford. Subs: Shearer, Thompson, Miller, Cameron, Dickov, McNamee, Holt, Kyle, Pearson.

Referee: Stephane Bre (France)