Scotland’s Nations League setback puts second-place bid at risk
Slovenia came from behind to win 2-1 at Hampden, leaving head coach Sebastien Pocognoli facing questions over Scotland’s performance and tactics.
Scotland’s push for second place in their Nations League group is in jeopardy after a 2-1 home defeat by Slovenia at Hampden. Ryan Christie put Scotland ahead before second-half goals from Danijel Sturm and Aljoša Matko secured the visitors’ win.
BBC Sport’s Tom English reported that Slovenia found space across the pitch and repeatedly tested Scotland’s defence. Captain Andy Robertson said Scotland had been “outfought” and “not good enough”.
English questioned whether Scotland’s back three and midfield could cope with Slovenia’s movement, and noted that Ben Gannon-Doak was targeted while playing in an unfamiliar wing-back role. These were assessments of the performance, rather than established explanations for the defeat.
Pocognoli changed formation and personnel after Slovenia drew level and again after taking the lead. English characterised the late changes as a hurried attempt to salvage a point.
The result follows Scotland’s win over North Macedonia. Their next matches, against Switzerland away and North Macedonia at home in November, leave little margin for error in the second-place race, according to BBC Sport.
