Smith rues missed chance in Kiev

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Scotland manager Walter Smith thought his side might have held on for a draw after slipping to defeat in Ukraine.

"We are disappointed," Smith told BBC Sport. "We rode our luck when they hit the post and had other opportunities.

"I thought we were over the worst of that but they got a goal and we missed our best chance.

"I don't think anyone can fault the players, they are giving their all. Sometimes, circumstances go for you, tonight, they went against us."

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The chance Smith was referring to was a Kenny Miller header from close range that went wide with the score at 1-0.

After some stout defending, Scotland eventually lost out to a 60th minute goal from Olexander Kucher and a late Andriy Shevchenko penalty.

The Scots also had Steven Pressley dismissed for denying Shevchenko a clear run in on goal.

But Smith did not believe the Hearts captain was the last defender and thought the decision harsh.

"At first viewing from the dug-out, Gary Caldwell would have got the ball quite clearly," he said.

"Therefore, it is not a circumstance where they had a goalscoring opportunity.

I feel we are getting yellow cards when other sides are getting away with similar fouls Walter Smith

"I don't know whether it is because we are looked on as a British team and they think we are aggressive.

"But I feel we are getting yellow cards when other sides are getting away with similar fouls."

James McFadden and Darren Fletcher will also be suspended for Scotland's next qualifying match, at home to Georgia in March, after picking up bookings.

Scotland have nine points from their opening four matches in the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

France, who Scotland surprised at the weekend are also on nine, while Italy sit two behind, with Ukraine three off the pace, having played a game less.

It is a very respectable tally for Walter Smith's men but goalkeeper Craig Gordon was deflated after the defeat in Kiev.

"We got greedy after the last game and we wanted to go out here and get another three points," he told BBC Sport.

"We would have settled for one but it just was not our day.

"I just thought it was going to be our night again but unfortunately they've got a bit of quality in there and they didn't give up and they have had a fair few decent chances and managed to stick one away in the end."