Scotland recovered from their World Cup playoff heartbreak with a commanding 2-0 victory over Armenia in their Nations League opener at Hampden Park. Goals from Anthony Ralston and Scott McKenna, both scoring their first international goals, sealed the win in a one-sided contest.
Ralston, making his first Scotland start, broke the deadlock after 28 minutes. The Celtic full-back cushioned Stuart Armstrong's looping cross with his head and steered the ball past goalkeeper David Yurchenko. McKenna doubled the lead before half-time, heading home from close range to put the game beyond Armenia's reach.
Steve Clarke made six changes from the side that lost 3-1 to Ukraine, and the fresh lineup dominated from the outset. Ralston was particularly lively, creating several chances before scoring. Armenia, ranked 92nd in the world, offered little attacking threat, often defending deep with all 11 men behind the ball.
Scotland could have added more goals, but Yurchenko made several fine saves, and the woodwork denied them on two occasions. A second-half goal from McKenna was ruled out by VAR for offside. The result sees Scotland start their Nations League campaign with three points, ahead of further group matches.
