John McGinn's double, including a late penalty, secured Sebastien Pocognoli's first home win as Scotland manager as they edged North Macedonia 2-1 at Hampden Park on Friday the 13th.
After two defeats to Switzerland and Slovenia at the national stadium last month, the Belgian boss could not afford another scare against the group's bottom side. When the visitors equalised, it felt like the curse had struck again, but McGinn's spot-kick lifted a weight off his manager's shoulders.
McGinn's milestone double
The midfielder's goals were his 23rd and 24th for his country, moving him joint-third on Scotland's all-time scoring list alongside Hughie Gallacher. Skipper Andy Robertson also equalled Kenny Dalglish's record of 102 caps during the match.
McGinn put the Scots in front early in the second half, but Elmin Rastoder levelled with North Macedonia's first goal in a year. Ben Gannon-Doak was then upended by keeper Stole Dimitrievski, allowing McGinn to grab the winner from the penalty spot.
Team selection and early pressure
Ryan Porteous, now at Los Angeles FC in the MLS, was drafted in ahead of Jack Hendry, earning his first Scotland appearance since a red card against Germany at Euro 2024. In-form Luke Graham made his first start, while Kieran Tierney returned on the left and Aaron Hickey had to settle for a place on the bench.
Scott McTominay and Che Adams made their predicted returns, with the Tartan Army hoping the 3-4-2-1 shape would suit the Napoli midfielder. McTominay almost opened the scoring with a brilliant turn from Lewis Ferguson's header, but Dimitrievski produced a cracking save.
Missed chances and late drama
Billy Gilmour missed a gilt-edged chance when Adams put it on a plate for him eight yards out, but the Napoli man side-footed it over the bar with the goal at his mercy. The miss drew comparisons to Chris Iwelumo's infamous Hampden sitter against Norway in 2008.
Adams then muscled past Macedonia's centre-backs to create space for McGinn, who slotted past Dimitrievski to break the deadlock. But within three minutes, Rastoder headed in from a corner to level. Pocognoli threw on Oli McBurnie, whose pass looked perfect for Gannon-Doak, but the winger's control let him down.
VAR then intervened after referee Michael Ocenas initially waved play on, and the Slovak official pointed to the spot after seeing Dimitrievski swipe Gannon-Doak's ankle. McGinn stepped up and buried the penalty, prompting a huge sigh of relief from the stands and the Scotland dug-out.
Pocognoli will know a much better performance will be required if he is to secure victory against Switzerland on Monday night.
