REYKJAVIK, Oct 12: Scotland produced an assured performance to beat Iceland 2-0 in their Euro 2004 Group Five qualifier in Reykjavik Saturday and give Berti Vogts his first victory as their manager.

A goal in each half from defenders Christian Dailly and winger Gary Naysmith gave Scotland, who drew 2-2 away to the Faroe Islands in their opening qualifier last month, a merited three points.

The result will ease the strain on former Germany coach Vogts, whose side slumped to 63rd in the FIFA world rankings after five straight defeats and that embarrassing draw with the Faroes.

Scotland have four points from two games in a group that also includes Germany and Lithuania.

It was Scotland’s best display away from home in years and gives them real optimism of at least clinching second place and a play-off place in the group.

Iceland were pre-match favourites and included a strong presence from England with Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen, West Bromwich Albion’s Larus Sigurdsson, Ivar Ingimarsson of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Stoke City’s Brynjar Gunnarsson all starting.

But Scotland who enjoyed the best of the early pressure and they shocked the hosts by taking the lead after only seven minutes through West Ham United’s Dailly.

Naysmith’s corner was not cleared and the Everton player floated over another cross for Dailly to rise highest and head home with goalkeeper Arni Gautur Arason badly exposed.

Scotland sensed another goal and only a frantic clearance from the Iceland defence denied Steve Crawford after a deft little flick from Jackie McNamara.

The visitors were causing problems in the air and Hearts defender Steven Pressley headed just over from a delicate McNamara cross.

Iceland finally found some success on 18 minutes when Gudjohnsen picked up a free kick and shuffled past Dailly but his shot crashed into the bar.—Reuters