Levein opens with Scotland victory but defeats for Wales and Irish

Brown grabbed the only goal of the game against Czech Republic to hand the Scots their first friendly win at Hampden Park since victory over Australia back in 1996.

This match may not have been pretty to watch at times but handed the nation a much-needed boost ahead of the forthcoming European Championship qualifiers, where Scotland will again meet Michal Bilek's men.

Levein was forced to head into the match without the services of the talismanic James McFadden, who failed a late fitness test after struggling with a groin strain.

The Birmingham midfielder had been named in the starting line-up for the friendly but was replaced by West Brom's Graham Dorrans.

Dundee United defender Andy Webster earned his first cap for four years, partnering Gary Caldwell at centre-half, while Kenny Miller led the attack.

Boyd – who refused to be considered for selection while George Burley was in charge and who had not pulled on the dark blue jersey for 18 months – started on the bench.

The unlikely winner came in the second half. Lee Wallace's cross from the left found Barry Robson and he nodded into the path of Brown to rifle a left-foot shot past Jaroslav Drobny.

Bolton striker Johan Elmander, right, stunned Wales with a brilliant winner for Sweden in their 1-0 friendly in Swansea.

Elmander, who has scored just twice in the Premier League this season, showed quality rarely seen at the Reebok Stadium with a fine strike on the stroke of half-time.

Ola Toivonen had earlier had a header ruled out for offside but a youthful Wales side battled hard in the second half and substitute Robert Earnshaw twice went close.

Wales, without the dynamism of Craig Bellamy and the creativity of the injured Aaron Ramsey, amongst others, lacked sparkle early on but their overall efforts offered encouragement for the Euro 2012 qualifiers next season.

Tottenham's Gareth Bale was particularly impressive after the break and with more players available, John Toshack's side could make a mark in a group that includes England.

In-form Hull goalkeeper Boaz Myhill was handed the No 1 jersey but then replaced by Wolves' Wayne Hennessey at half-time.

Motherwell defender Stephen Craigan should have been celebrating his first goals for Northern Ireland in his 46th international appearance.

Instead his luck was out in their 1-0 defeat to Albania as he saw both efforts come back off the woodwork in the second half as his side chased the game.

A makeshift Northern Ireland side improved in this period but were unable to get the equaliser after Ervin Skela's superb goal for the hosts in the 25th minute.

It means there was no end to a dreadful away record which has seen them record only three victories in 22 matches.

Northern Ireland were given a chasing in the first half and were lucky to be only a goal down.

Dirk Kuyt and Klaas Jan Huntelaar grabbed the goals as Holland beat fellow World Cup qualifiers the United States 2-1 in Amsterdam.

Kuyt opened the scoring from the spot five minutes before half-time after Wesley Sneijder was fouled and substitute Huntelaar made it two with a deflected strike in the 73rd minute.

There was something for the Americans to cheer as Carlos Bocanegra grabbed a late consolation goal, their first against Holland.

Italy coach Marcello Lippi's experimental line-up failed to deliver as the Azzurri were held to a goalless draw by Cameroon.