The two front-runners for the Scotland manager's post after Vogts resigned were Gordon Strachan, who was successful at Southampton, and former Rangers and Everton manager Walter Smith. On 2nd December 2004, Walter Smith was appointed as Scotland's new manager, and Ally McCoist became coach, with Tommy Burns remaining as assistant manager. One of the first things that he did as national manager was entice David Weir out of international retirement for Smith's first game in charge away to Italy in the San Siro. Two free-kicks from Pirlo gave Italy a 2-0 win. The following game was a 2-0 victory at home to Moldova with goals from Christian Dailly and James McFadden, before a 0-0 draw away to Belarus. When Italy came to Hampden, a much-improved Kenny Miller coached by Ally McCoist, put Scotland ahead, but a late equaliser meant the game finished 1-1. Four days later Kenny Miller put Scotland 2-0 up away to Norway, but a minute from time Norway pulled one back to make it 2-1. With only two games remaining, Scotland were only two points off second place, which meant that there was some belief that Scotland could do what after three games seemed impossible, and qualify for the play-offs. These hopes were ended in the next game when Scotland went down 1-0 at home to Belarus in a shock result. Four days later Scotland put in a fine performance to gain an impressive 3-0 win away to Slovenia, with goals from Darren Fletcher, James McFadden, and Paul Hartley to finish the qualifying campaign on a high. It made people wonder what would have happened if Walter Smith had taken over sooner.