Elliott accuses Croatians

Mario Stanic spent a lot of time on the floor

Scotland defender Matt Elliot claims several Croatian players over-reacted to challenges during Saturday's World Cup qualifier.

Chelsea's Mario Stanic was the chief perpetrator, and was shown the yellow card after he went to ground in the penalty area.

Elliott admitted that Scotland had to be more careful when tackling the Croatians, but was quick to praise the referee.

Stanic dived a lot, like one, two or three of them

Matt Elliott

Elliott said: "Particularly early on there was one or two exaggerations to say the least.

"Mario Stanic got booked for going down in the box and the referee did well, but this is just to be expected.

"The slightest touch and they were falling over so we had to be wary of that.

"Stanic dived a lot, like one, two or three of them, but that's part and parcel of the game."

Following the 0-0 draw, and with two games remaining, Scotland's hopes of reaching the world Cup finals are still alive.

Tough task

They are level on points with Croatia, but two points behind Group Six leaders Belgium, who they face on Wednesday.

The Belgians, not having played at the weekend, will also be fresher than the Scots - but Elliott insists they will be ready.

"Everybody will be fired up again because games don't come much bigger than this with qualification at stake."

Elliott is surprised Dodds was left out

Elliott admits he and his team-mates are still haunted by Belgium's last-minute equaliser at Hampden Park in May.

Scotland threw away a two-goal lead against 10-men and the players have tried to forget the memory ever since.

He said: "We still feel the pain of it now and felt it in the build up to this game.

"We do think what could have happened with two more points in the bag and it does still sticks in the throat.

"But, there's still plenty to play for and we'll keep going."

Elliott believes Rangers' out-of-favour striker Billy Dodds should be recalled to face Belgium after spending Saturday afternoon on the bench.

"He should play on Wednesday because he always has that knack and unnerves teams because he's a busy player," he said.

"He is sharp, got a good touch and he gets himself into the danger areas and hopefully he will be the difference."