Scotland suffered a 2-1 defeat to Slovenia at Hampden Park, a result that constitutes a rocky start for Sébastien Pocognoli as the national team's manager. The claiming of four points from three Nations League games was adequate until Slovenia inflicted this defeat, but it was the abject nature of Scotland’s display that was so stark.
Pocognoli under pressure after Slovenia defeat
Pocognoli’s team were comprehensively outplayed by a side who themselves are no better than functional. November feels significant for the manager. Put simply, Slovenia met a Scotland who were far too easy to play against. Pocognoli has to prove this is the dawn of a new era as opposed to the beginning of an error, with no patience for a passive approach.
A pre-match presentation to Andy Robertson, who reached the 100-cap mark during Scotland’s win in North Macedonia on Saturday, carried wider meaning. Gordon Strachan and Alex McLeish, Robertson’s first two Scotland managers, were joined on the Hampden pitch by Steve Clarke. This marked a swift return to the national stadium for Clarke, who departed the Scotland job in unsatisfactory circumstances following failings at the World Cup. Robertson’s warmth towards the Ayrshireman was clear.
Scotland struggle in first half
Scotland find themselves in a post-Clarke state of flux. He was the manager who made this nation relevant on the wider stage once again, but there was widespread criticism that Clarke’s team lacked ambition. Pocognoli has been charged not only with maintaining at least decent results while delivering an alternative brand of football, and it remains to be seen whether the dual quest is fanciful or not.
The first quarter of the game mirrored the opening half when these teams met in Ljubljana. Scotland looked uncertain and ragged, while Slovenia were perfectly comfortable both defensively and when springing into attack. Adam Cerin should have afforded the visitors a 13th-minute lead but failed to connect with appropriate force, allowing Jack Hendry to boot clear when just three yards from his own goal. The venue was eerily quiet.
Ryan Christie raised the mood with a goal that was horribly ugly but mattered not a jot to anyone of a Scottish persuasion. A short free-kick was played wide to Ben Gannon-Doak, whose deflected cross was headed on to a post by Hendry. The ball landed at the feet of Christie, who flicked it home from close range. Christie will be a bigger asset to Pocognoli than he initially appeared to realise.
Slovenia complete comeback
Robertson demonstrated his ongoing value before the break, with a sliding block to deny Zan Vipotnik, who seemed certain to equalise. Ominously for Scotland, Danijel Sturm had totally bamboozled their three-man defence when supplying Vipotnik.
It was impossible to argue Slovenia were not worthy of their equaliser, which landed 11 minutes after half-time. It came from a Scotland throw-in, where possession was cheaply conceded. Sturm played through the centre and towards Aljosa Matko, who brushed Luis Binks aside. The Scotland goalkeeper, Angus Gunn, was weak in trying to deal with Matko’s shot. Sturm should have sent Slovenia in front two minutes later but shot over.
McBurnie’s withdrawal meant 20 caps have come and gone for the Hull striker without scoring. With 70 minutes played, this felt like the least of Scotland’s worries. Pocognoli switched to a back four for the first time in this elongated international window shortly before Matko was denied his second goal of the night by an offside flag.
Neither was the goal which took Slovenia ahead debatable. This time Matko turned supplier, having rampaged down the right flank and crossed for the onrushing Sturm. Gunn was left with no chance as Sturm slammed the ball past him. For the first time in his brief tenure, Pocognoli was subjected to Tartan Army boos.
Penalty appeals denied
Findlay Curtis and Josh McPake were denied claims for Scotland penalties. McPake was lively having stepped from the bench. Too many of his teammates either underperformed or are not cut out for this level. It is up to Pocognoli, and sharply, to source answers.
