Scotland suffered a 3-0 Nations League defeat to Switzerland at Hampden Park, leaving head coach Sebastien Pocognoli still searching for his first victory. The match turned early when Jack Hendry was sent off after eight minutes for a last-man shove on Dan Ndoye, forcing Scotland to play more than 80 minutes with 10 men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Scotland fought valiantly against the world's 14th-best team, but superior opposition ultimately proved decisive. The result was a reminder to Scottish fans that Pocognoli's seismic change in how the national team wants to play will not happen in days. To see Scotland compete with countries of this calibre playing his way might take months, even years to come to fruition.
Early red card derails game plan
Before kick-off, speculation surrounded Pocognoli's line-up following the goalless draw in Slovenia. With a quick turnaround and busy Nations League schedule, alterations were inevitable, and the Belgian made three changes. Brondby skipper Luis Binks came into defence, Nathan Patterson replaced the rested Aaron Hickey at right wing-back, and Kieron Bowie was preferred to Robbie Ure up front after impressing from the bench on Saturday.
Unfortunately for Bowie, his night and Pocognoli's plan were in tatters before some hospitality guests had reached their seats. The manager wants Scotland to adopt a front-footed, aggressive pressing style, but the Swiss showed why they reached the World Cup quarter-finals this summer. With players like Aston Villa's £50 million man Johan Manzambi and Nottingham Forest's lightning-quick Dan Ndoye, they possess top quality.
Swiss quality proves too much
As Scotland tried to press in their own half, the Swiss knitted four rapid passes together and cut through the defence. Ndoye raced clear of Hendry, who put a hand on him outside the box, sending him tumbling. Initially, the Serbian referee gave a penalty and yellow card, but after a VAR check it was changed to a free-kick and red. Ricardo Rodriguez curled a beauty into the top corner from 20 yards, leaving supporters wishing the original decision had stood.
Bowie was hooked, with Stephen Welsh slotting into the back five. Oli McBurnie gave the Swiss rearguard something to think about with his running power, while Pocognoli picked up a caution as he joined the crowd in their contempt of the official. In Slovenia, the new boss had made a real difference at half-time with tactical tweaks, but it was more difficult here.
Second half struggles
The Swiss were excellent at the restart, sharp and crisp in their passing, and a second goal was always on the cards. When Nico Elvedi slotted home Ndoye's cross, Pocognoli shuffled his pack, bringing on Ben Gannon-Doak, Ryan Christie and Ure, but the substitutes could not change the course of the match. Michel Aebischer and Fabian Rieder both had attempts, before Zeki Amdouni blasted home a third goal to put the tin lid on a miserable night.
As the clock on the big Hampden scoreboard counted up to 93, his players and the home fans just wanted it to stop. On Saturday, Pocognoli must take his team to North Macedonia, where they will be expected to finally tick off three points.
