The Arsenal man was hugely influential yesterday as Belarus notched their second away win, 1-0 at Hampden Park. Sampdoria striker Vitali Kutuzov got the goal after just 6 minutes when he latched onto a loose ball, but Scotland hardly ever looked like turning the tables. In fact it could have been more.

Hleb created another good chance for Kutozov on 17 minutes but the shot curled narrowly past the far post. And on the half hour Hleb's corner found Kutozov again but the header came back off the crossbar.

Hleb was all over the pitch and causing all sorts of problems. The home side did have a couple of good chances in the second half, an overhead kick by Maloney that was only stopped on the goal-line by one his team-mates and a one-on-one for Miller that went over. But Belarus also came close when they hit the woodwork again.

Scotland needed to win to have a chance of second place in Group 5, but Norway's win over Moldova later on yesterday means they can't now qualify. Belarus play at home to Norway and could still have an impact: because if they win then Slovenia could pip Norway with a big win for themeselves... at home to Scotland (see standings).

On Friday night, Belarus's U21s came back from 2 down to beat 9-man Scotland 3-2 (Belarus themselves were down to 10) in a UEFA U21 Championship qualifier. But it looks to me like Alex's brother Viacheslav didn't play. Belarus can guarantee a play-off spot by beating Norway on Tuesday, a game that Norway need while hoping that bottom-placed Scotland can hold Slovenia.