SCOTLAND did more than just warm up for the World Cup yesterday; they positively boiled as they hung on for a goalless draw against fellow-France 98 qualifiers USA in incredible 100 degree plus heat in Washington DC. That result coming on the back of the fine draw with Colombia a week earlier left Craig Brown's team in excellent shape as their clash against world Champions Brazil draw ever closer.

Just ten days to go to be exact before that daunting prospect is upon them and yet it is doubtful the Scots have felt this good going into a major tournament since Argentina in 1978. Certainly one player who must be optimistic is Jim Leighton. Thrust back into the spotlight this week after Andy Goram fled the squad for some privacy back home, the veteran Aberdeen goalkeeper responded by keeping his fourth successive clean sheet at international level. It might not count for much by the time Ronaldo and Co are bearing down on him, but at least it is a start. Of course, Leighton kept goal in Scotland's last World Cup match, also against Brazil the 1-0 defeat that knocked Andy Roxburgh's side out of Italia 90.

The 39-year-old made the No 1 shirt his own for the World Cup opener at least with a fine display that included assured handling at set pieces and several excellent saves. The best of the lot was a reflex effort to deny American hitman Roy Wegerle, the former Blackburn and QPR forward now fully recovered from the crippling knee injury that threatened his career. Sadly, though, the Scottish forwards were unable to build upon Leighton's heroics despite heavy pressure after half-time. Blackburn star Kevin Gallacher was the main culprit as he wasted three clear chances, the last of which came in the 58th minute and was bravely blocked by another Premiership player, USA's Leicester keeper Kasey Keller.

All in all, however, a fine week for Brown's men as they bid to make the latter stages of a major tournament for the first time ever.