By Alasdair Lamont BBC Sport

Vogts had been losing support until the Germany game

If that is the case, Vogts took one hell of a gamble, but it might just have come off for the wily German.

Vogts has endured months of criticism after the patience of the Scottish media and public began to wear thin.

Embarrassing performances against Austria, the Republic of Ireland and the Faroe Islands, coupled with mediocre displays against Lithuania, Denmark and New Zealand had taken their toll.

Only two of those were competitive fixtures, but the sight of 11 players turning out for their country with no apparent idea of their role or the team's tactics was too much to bear.

Most followers of the national team wanted to allow Berti time in the job, aware that he had to completely overhaul the stagnant set-up he inherited from Craig Brown.

But by the time the final whistle blew at Tynecastle to signal the end of the 1-1 draw with New Zealand last month, many had began to doubt whether the German would ever get it right.

Many more feared the worst as preparations began for the visit of the World Cup finalists, Vogts' home nation, Germany.

But on Saturday, without getting too carried away, everything seemed to come together for the Scots.

Vogts was all smiles after the draw with his native Germany

Above all, there was a spirit and a sense of cohesion about the team that had been lacking under Vogts up until this game.

The tactics were just right - something that had almost always been the case under Brown - as the Scots pressed and harried the Germans, denying them the opportunity to get into their stride.

With four at the back, the defence looked largely solid and comfortable, while the midfield shut down their opponents and, at times, created opportunities for two lively forwards.

So, while the Tartan Army should not be dusting down their passports or worrying about booking flights to Portugal just yet, Saturday's performance has given genuine cause for optimism.

Such a confidence-boosting display might just be the hallowed turning point all of Scotland - and Berti Vogts in particular - was waiting for.

For while there is still a lack of real quality about the Scotland team, a bit of steel and organisation goes a long way, as the Germans proved at the World Cup.

A draw in Dortmund in September is not beyond Scotland, as Germany are no great shakes, and six points from their final two home games against the Faroes and Lithuania should be enough to put the Scots into the play-off spot in Group Five, at least.

But for the time being, the draw with Germany has won Vogts some much-needed kudos in his adopted land.