Scotland were held to a goalless draw in Ljubljana in Sebastien Pocognoli's first match as head coach, with all three strikers used unable to beat Slovenia goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
The new boss set up in a 3-5-2 formation, but starters Oli McBurnie and Robbie Ure, as well as substitute Kieron Bowie, all drew a blank against the Atletico Madrid keeper.
Scotland were poor in the first half, failing to register a shot on target. They improved dramatically after the break, dominating Slovenia, who were barely able to get out of their third, but a succession of good chances went begging.
Late chances go begging
Ure rattled the post, McBurnie fluffed a one-on-one, and Bowie put a great chance wide of the post. The decisive goal just wasn't for coming, and Pocognoli had to settle for a Nations League point.
Here's how the players rated in the new-look team.
Scotland player ratings
Angus Gunn – 6
Under pressure early on as Slovenia offered an early threat, but didn't have many saves to make. A few good takes from crosses.
Aaron Hickey – 6
Wasn't shy about getting into the box and had a decent chance to open the scoring in one of Scotland's rare early ventures into the Slovenia box. Showed his quality, pulling off a peach of a pass to play in Ure, but the ball didn't reach him enough – a theme that ran throughout the game with the more potent attacking threats.
Jack Hendry – 5
Was clearly asked to take risks and press out from the back. Had some shaky moments and looked a yard or two off the pace of the game. Tried to get the team up the pitch from the right of the back three.
Scott McKenna – 6
At the heart of the defensive line, which suggests he's going to be a central part, literally and figuratively, of the Pocognoli era. Struggled up against Andraz Sporar early on, but didn't do much wrong once he settled.
Stephen Welsh – 6
Interesting to see him on the left of a wide back three while his left-sided teammate McKenna played through the middle. Looked a little uneasy at times playing off his weaker foot, but a capable Scotland debut for the Swansea defender.
Andy Robertson – 5
Wasn't a game for the wing-backs. Slovenia targeted the captain's flank early on and got plenty of joy through it. Looked isolated out on the left, grew into the game as Scotland improved but wasn't able to produce anything of note.
Lewis Ferguson – 5
Deepest of the midfield trio, tasked with sitting in while the men either side of him joined the strikers in a high press. Did his job but was largely a spectator as Scotland dominated the second half.
Billy Gilmour – 6
Bailed out his teammates by tidying up a few loose balls in the first half but his final product wasn't quite there. Created one chance with a driving run from midfield before playing in Ure.
John McGinn – 7
Looked slightly out of place early on in the hybrid role he was asked to play, splitting the shift between his usual midfield position and playing off Ure's right shoulder. His quality shone through more and more as the game wore on, driving the team up the pitch and creating the best chances in the second half.
Oli McBurnie – 5
The big man caused some chaos and looked physically imposing when the ball reached him, holding up the ball well. But spurned the two big chances he did get, trying unsuccessfully to round Oblak when a shot would have sufficed, and then sending a header straight at the keeper from point-blank range. Strikers need to take those chances.
Robbie Ure – 7
Through no fault of their own, the strikers weren't involved enough. But Ure looked like he could be the type of forward Scotland have been missing, offering plenty of energy and looking classy on the ball. Rattled the post just before half-time, and might feel aggrieved to have been hooked midway through the second half while McBurnie stayed on the pitch.
Substitutes
Kieron Bowie (Ure, '67) – 4
Can't say he wasn't involved after being thrown on for the final quarter. Carved out a decent opportunity for himself, coming in from the left and getting a shot on target – a rarity for Scotland on the day. Then put the best chance of the game wide of the post after a brilliant bit of play from Gilmour.
Ben Gannon-Doak (Hickey, 77) – 3
A straight swap in the right wing-back role. Immediately involved after coming on, bursting down the right and clipping a cross to the back post. Hardly involved after that.
